DAY 13 MORNING
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17TH MARCH 2025 MORNING
(Meeting began at 9:30 a.m.)
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 21st Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara convenes on the thirteenth day, today Monday, 16th of Ramadan 1446 Hijrah corresponding to the 17th of March 2025 AD, and is preceded by the Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
(Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. Alhamdulillah, gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for with His abundant grace we are able to gather again today to convene for the thirteenth day in the First Meeting of the 21st Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
Prayers and peace be upon our great leader Sayyidina Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, his family, companions, and loyal followers until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members, we will begin today with the next Agenda of the Meeting.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Minister's Statement.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, I have granted permission to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama to make a Minister's Statement entitled Strategic Initiatives in Strengthening Religious Services. I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
(Prayer read). Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, for the opportunity given.
Kaola takes this opportunity to once again express my gratitude and the ministry's appreciation to all the conference colleagues, Yang Berhormat Ahli-Ahli Yang Dilantik, who have not only posed questions but have also put forward views and suggestions, as well as, in certain matters, given subtle yet sincere criticisms.
All of these, as I mentioned in the previous debate session, are highly welcomed and valued by kaola because it is the nature of this council to serve as a healthy check and balance to the executive branch of governance. May this continue to develop appropriately in our Bruneian spirit, insha’Allah.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in connection with this, during this Ministerial Statement session, kaola is pleased to take the opportunity to express the implementation and achievement of three main strategic focuses:-
Firstly, over the five years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has implemented its strategic plan for 2020 to 2024, focusing on three main strategic focuses which are:
Firstly, Effective Religious/Arabic Education; secondly, Robust and Effective Dakwah; and thirdly, Ensured Social Welfare and Safety.
These three are set with 13 Key Performance Indicators, KPIs that measure the achievement of duties and responsibilities carried out using various initiatives for executing the planned strategy.
Secondly, kaola wants to state that for the Effective Religious/Arabic Education Focus, overall by 2024, it can be said to have successfully achieved the set KPIs, particularly in the fields, in improving teacher competency levels, achievement levels in public examinations, and the number who memorize the Quran.
Meanwhile, for the Robust and Effective Dakwah Focus, alhamdulillah, the development of dakwah continues to be strengthened and reinforced with the implementation of various initiatives and approaches suitable to the prevailing trends. Nonetheless, the ministry sees the need for continuous efforts by considering the target, environment, and emerging challenges.
Fourthly, is concerning Ensured Social Welfare and Safety. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, as a co-leader in the National Council on Social Issues, MKIS, will remain committed to facing challenges to ensure the welfare and community of the society continues to be duly considered.
In general, the achievement is good and meets the set targets, particularly in matters concerning sharia criminal offenses.
Perhaps kaola can cite part of the KPIs, which is the achievement of the KPIs from 2020 to 2024.
Firstly, in terms of Effective Religious/Arabic Education Strategic Focus. The percentage of teachings reaching level three in the Brunei Teachers’ Standard, namely performance appraisal or equivalent, is targeted at over 83%, but the achievement is less than that.
However, it doesn’t fall down to 50% as the achievement is 79.6%. The explanation is that the planned professional development programs for teachers are well implemented, with a direction to enhance the excellence of academic over instructors through structured training and guidance.
Secondly, the percentage of schools at level three and above in the school standard evaluation, which is targeted at 91%, is achieved at 94.7% where continuous monitoring is carried out regarding student progress, school administration leadership, and school facilities with a direction to strengthen charismatic and high-performing leadership at every level of education.
Thirdly, is the percentage of improvement in the 2024 public examination achievements, STPUB by 45.65%, SPUB 21.6%, SSRU 68.1%, but the current achievement shows an increase. STPUB was targeted at 45%, and the achievement is 52.88%.
The implementation of these programs from SPUB's target of 21%, the achievement is slightly less in percentage but still 21.45%. Only the SSRU which was targeted at 68.1%, achieved less than that at 65%.
Therefore, intervention programs have been carried out to motivate students and teachers. Then, the increase in students who complete the Quran was targeted at 59%, the achievement alhamdulillah is 95%. Thus, this increase is an extraordinary achievement.
The main contributing factors to this major success include more effective memorization methods, emphasis on student motivation, and tighter monitoring systems from the institute. The direction is to enhance and strengthen cooperation links with other institutions in the same field.
Similarly, the increase in graduates of Master's and Bachelor's degrees with honors has increased. The target of 95.97% for Master’s, and for Bachelor’s 98.83% but the achievement for Master’s was 100% and for Bachelor’s slightly increased from 98.83% to 98%, less than the percentage.
So, overall, when it comes to the education sector, it is indeed clear that there are increases and decreases with plus and minus. Yet overall, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua is at what can be said a good level.
Secondly, Robust and Effective Dakwah Strategic Focus. Firstly, in terms of the percentage increase of mosque congregation, which in 2023 saw an increase of only 2%, but the achievement in 2024 for the year 2023, calculated in 2024 exceeded that number, i.e., 200 in 2024 is still in the data collection process.
The explanation here is for creating conducive and user-friendly mosque facilities. The issues raised by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin regarding air conditioning being too cold has been addressed.
Then the implementation, the programs organized in mosques have become an attraction for increased attendance. The increase in competence and quality for mosque officials. However, initiatives to implement continuous Islamic understanding programs are in place. Subsequently, enhancing the competence of preachers with methodologies and synergy collaborations from domestic and foreign dakwah agencies.
Second, in this Robust Dakwah Strategic Focus is the increase in youth participation in youth religious programs. This is very encouraging, with an additional 200 youths considered involved in well-organized activities for the youth to secure them from influences taught outside of our mainstream.
And alhamdulillah, there are specific programs conducted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs through the Da’wah Center. The additional youth so far are more than 1000 in that group with various names. The implementation of workshops involving youth has received good cooperation. Some are from higher education institutions, taken or provide cooperation as mentors to youth groups. Hence, they are well-directed, alhamdulillah.
The increase in converts has been somewhat questioned, possibly Pehin. In 2024, before entering 2024, converts were registered each year at 500 people. Therefore, this was also targeted for 2024, but it turns out in 2024 only 319 were registered. This is a challenge, why? So, as of now, the compiled data is not complete, especially referring to previous years, what is it called, people who converted to Islam as a family. So, one family might bring 2 or 3 people, so if the number is 100 it becomes 200, 300. If applicable, all will be investigated.
Secondly, it may be that in previous years, among the immigrants working here with temporary passes working here, they see the facilities not as facilities but as privileges with the presence of, what is it, tokens for converting to Islam and if on Hari Raya or indeed registering in mosques, they would get a Hari Raya distribution. So, if they stay here for 2 years, it means they can obtain this. That is also an assumption Pehin but complete data will be obtained as best as possible. Because the target of 500 before now being 319 is rather surprising.
The percentage of residents performing hajj for the first time continues to target 80% and also achieved at 80.3% in 2024. So, the third strategy if kaola mentions is the Guarantee of Safety and Social Welfare. As stated earlier, the ministry is a leader and co-leader for the National Council on Social Issues.
Therefore, the ministry's responsibility in this matter, the ministry's commitment in this matter is indeed firm to be with other ministries, especially the Ministry of Youth and Sports where there is JAPEM. In terms of focus on people named, what is it called, who should have their welfare guaranteed in terms of their livelihood sufficiency. The percentage of the poor as recognized as the asnaf who successfully complete training means that they are lifted out of, what is it called, the shackles of poverty. Targeted in 2024, 65% of the trained are successful but the achievement as mentioned in the previous session by kaola has not been so encouraging, even dropping from 65% to 56%.
Therefore, the challenge remains as stated by the colleague Yang Berhormat Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports about preparing the mindset to self-liberate or come from themselves. The programs we provide are there, but if their mindset is not ready to follow them, it becomes a problem. As they say, able-bodied individuals still reliant on aid.
In terms of zakat, if viewed from the perspective of sufficiency as its KPI according to needs for food, drink, clothing, shelter, and so on, the amount is such. They are due to no work. No work because they do not want or do not seek employment or struggle for jobs, thus temporarily they fall into the asnaf category of poor. These sorts of matters are not only challenges for KKBS but also for other ministries within MKIS and bodies such as the Foundation itself. These kinds of matters raise. In regards to poverty, Pehin, if you wish to discuss at length, I could mention colleagues of similar age or a little younger than me for sympathy.
Actually, if calculated during the '60s, '70s for the Department of Social Welfare back then, to find those in need of assistance, the officers would go to the villages, meet the village heads to inquire about who in your village receives aid? It was mostly the elderly or those who have certain disabilities and so forth. But those who are truly impoverished, their income does not wish to appear upfront. They are ashamed to declare themselves as poor or impoverished, embarrassed...
Even those family members around them, slightly better off, feel the shame. "Don't you dare apply, it is embarrassing". So this attitude, though suddenly changed, maybe certain studies show this change was a shift in our lifestyle, alongside with the changes in income levels and maybe with those reasons.
But one factor kaola still remembers before 2009, which is during that time the zakat fund accumulated exceeded hundreds of millions Pehin, very substantial. Not that it wasn't distributed yet, the distribution numbers to the actual impoverished were few, to converts were few. Yet still, unfunded portions as fisabilillah existed in the asnaf zakat categories, kitani in Brunei has only six, thus fisabilillah and Ar-Riqab, for those ... intended to liberate themselves from slavery and so forth. Consequently, the amounts accumulated for some time together with the figures from the true poor and converts, though few.
Yet we had a major need, knowing of the poor, knowing there’s accumulated zakat. In terms of law, it is wrong, also the country's error, for government, to retain zakat, withholding zakat not distributed to entitled individuals.
Therefore, we had a slogan, OK, distribute the existing zakat to entitled individuals, provided the lists of those entitled, those showing among those eligible, leading to known amounts roughly, thus many people presented themselves, what is it called, appearing for zakat payouts which became apparent only after.
However, not all of them passed, as in-depth investigations for months were conducted. However finally, some did pass and consequently were registered. Therefore that record claimed impoverished, hence we had a proclamation to free Brunei from poverty even for one day with zakat.
In 2009, zakat was distributed significantly not only to the poor but to the indebted al-Gharimin, who had outstanding debts to the government initiatives similar to al-Gharimin, the long-outstanding National Housing Plan granted aid, awarded distribution.
Similarly, homes residing in Kampung Bolkiah, Perumahan Yayasan were granted specific allocations. Then allotted was such that, kaola still recalls for al-Gharimin with housing debts alone amounted to $16 million and at that time a quarter wasn't even spent because forward planning, if they've stayed in those houses without payment rent owed cleared, plus scheduled payments forward until freeing themselves henceforth for property acquisition. But law and regularity did not law provide so. Al-Gharimin pertains for the arrears, for any such only...
Then towards future debts, subsequently will be known potentially family fate changes, children may be able to work, and subsequently etc. Thus rendering, what was it called the allocation of $16 million wasn't exhausted until now Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua still remains also provisioned for al-Gharimin for housing. Plus there's more set aside for, what is it, to build homes, replacing truly dilapidated, critically substandard houses. Provision at that time, estimated a house $50,000.
Hence allocating, obtaining as many as 500 were provided a $25 million amount plus housing schemes, the running ongoing plans. So there have been nearly $30 million overall from that zakat fund collection.
So kaola believes this initially significant change which is termed, what is it called floodgates crumbling, floodgates descending. This when floodgates fall began observe no reservations but to approach difficulties, poverty inquiries to JAPEM, while significant hardships to the Baitulmal section that they pronounced Majlis Ugama Islam back then.
Such occurrences are what we face now, yet in reality, inquiries officer research determining suitability or not really demonstrates eligibility for those within necessitated groups with housing for the genuinely poor needy, needful housing subsidies as specified. So such happenstance occurs Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua with this matter.
So there are three minutes left (laughs), kaola attempts and starts this if wanting.. kaola again as we say wishes to address one or two from fellow Ahli-Ahli Yang Dilantik, as for instance from Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, he posed three questions but one very relevant to clarify here is the mosque appropriation provision.
The mosque’s budget for this year allocated, for what purpose? Where allocated for? Kaola supplied with insights regarding this matter. Mosque's appropriation named indeed mentioned $19 million? but almost 90% for emoluments, salaries, the remainder for mosque programs. The central mosque program is Muqaddam Program, learning Muqaddam and Quran every Friday.
Where more than 658 instructors are involved. Likewise, permanent program like this is the Muslimah Guidance Program. So many mosques conduct these programs and thus wages, funding for instructors and also programs aside from learning, they hold ceremonies.
Meanwhile mosque administrations themselves have allocation, office appropriations, they may solicit, request based on plans, programs they intend to execute. But mosque administration, that’s what has guidelines.
Similarly, mosque takmir is even permitted to use the special mosque fund, special mosque fund for mosque utilization as guided while encouraged particularly for minor issues repairing mosque, use that fund.
Cannot solely be used for feasts, feasts for meetings or events. That’s what kaola, kaola explained in these matters to be transparent not only to Yang Berhormat for inquiring in contact to Yang Berhormat and whoever’s concerned outside. Insha-Allah, is transparent.
Kaola wishes to express appreciation to Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck. Yang Berhormat is very intriguing Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. He queried food and halal supplies last year had budget this year not, so what happened? As if dismissive matters, not substantial. However, to Yang Berhormat it is pivotal to ask. Kaola seeks merely to clarify, indeed included because it already includes what is it, Syariah Affairs Department, Syariah Department comprises sections, sections numbering five or six, including as Food Section, BKMH. Hence all combined within Syariah Department comprised salaries and recurring programs under that group.
Thus roughly implies no absence budget, funding absorbed to the department. Meanwhile another for Yang Berhormat Pehin, he's a proposal quite relevant and coincidentally in progress, executed by the ministry that halal expands potencies in studies, research at higher education centers for studies.
In fact, currently underway, Pehin, meaning initially for KUPU at Ministry of Religious Affairs, KUPU preparing skills within this field, training, and skill. Subsequently, UNISSA with Halalan Thayyiban in their studies collaborated to expand study necessities, as of now a few required staff for it similarly UBD and even food section staff become resource materials.
They're presented in events to elevate halal knowledge learning for UTB, ITB, and IBTE. Thus to aware more than academic need, expanding to academic needs for more precise so they become knowledge sources.
Kaola over 3 minutes Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola apologizes. There’s more kaola aims to present, not worry. Kaola can engage equitably with the others Pehin, equitably meaning insha-Allah, these materials can share subsequently.
That’s all, kaola apologizes and kitani here, since kaola add Pehin ah, we have each kitani here in this Chamber seating or seated in the gallery or observing outside and listening, observing from outside, we are all in job and responsibility measures evaluated by Allah Ta’ala based on kitani capability Pehin. (Quranic verse read) this recitation in the tahlil. Extracted Surah Al-Baqarah Verse-286. Allah Ta’ala will not imposably tasking on any unless based on their capacity to manage task assigned well.
If executed will earn gracious earnings, merit. If unexecuted, moreover neglects, will receive adverse earnings. So due to this these measures mindful not only for others but for ourselves, insha-Allah, hopefully, may we be safe. Wabillahi taufik wal hidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Ehwal Ugama, for the explanations and clarifications provided and now we move on to the next item on the meeting agenda.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Bill and Proposal on Development Fund Resolution. Committee Stage Debate.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, the National Assembly is still discussing the 2025 Supply Bill, 2025/2026 and the Development Fund Resolution Proposal. Now, I adjourn this session and we will proceed to the Committee Stage debate.
(The National Assembly is adjourned)
(The National Assembly convenes as a Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Your Honourable Members, the Bill and Proposal are now being discussed at the Committee Stage, and we will continue the examination of the following items.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Titles SK01A to SK08A, Ministry of Development.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, the Ministry of Development title is now open for debate. As usual, I will invite 18 Honourable Members who wish to participate in this debate, whom I will divide into 3 groups.
I invite the first group, starting with Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat followed by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Kaola will address Title SK03A - Public Works Department, Code 1219/004 - Provision of Clean Water Supply.
Although budget allocations have been provided, the quality of water supply is still unsatisfactory, with the issue of yellowing water continuously affecting households in several areas. This issue has persisted for years, indicating the need for a more strategic and sustainable approach.
Brunei is consistently committed to the welfare of its people and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for sustainable water management and sanitation for all.
It is very important for us to take decisive steps to ensure better and more sustainable water quality for all. Access to clean water is not just an infrastructure issue but a basic human right and a fundamental pillar of public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
My first question is, given that previous budget allocations have not shown significant improvements in water quality, what concrete steps have been taken to ensure more efficient budget management and to increase accountability in expenditure?
Secondly, what are the main technical factors causing recurring issues like yellowing water and what immediate solutions are being implemented to address it? That's all, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
Alhamdulillah, kaola express my gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the Ministry of Development's budget and its departments for the financial year 2025/2026.
Kaola refer to Title SK03A – Public Works Department, Account Number 1219, Provision of Water Supply. Kaola would like to add a little about, well, the water mentioned by our fellow Honourable Member, regarding safe drinking water quality being crucial for public health and national well-being.
Firstly, kaola welcome and express gratitude for the planning in the water service projects, Account Number 1219/006, which includes upgrading water treatment plants and water pipe connections across districts, including the Batang Duri Water Treatment Plant in the Temburong District.
Regarding this, what are the government's comprehensive policies and planning covering all aspects of water management from conservation to supply, regarding water security in Brunei Darussalam?
Next, kaola discuss Title SK07A – Survey Department, Code 003/003. Chart making and updating. Kaola highlight the issue requiring attention regarding areas without GPS, Global Positioning System services.
The necessity to ensure all areas, urban or rural, have access to increasingly crucial technology, including areas in Temburong, a significant part of which lacks GPS network. Kaola have previously raised this in this honorable assembly during past sessions.
Regarding this, what are the government's strategic plans, if any, and what is the current status of their implementation?
That's all kaola have to convey. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Firstly, kaola would like to congratulate yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan for successfully preparing the Ministry of Development's 2024-/2029 Strategic Plan.
Kaola am impressed with the goals presented in the strategic plan where the ministry has set targets to achieve an 80% quality index, 80% development index, and 80% business development index.
Kaola fully support the initiatives presented. As it is known, in addition to implementing direct projects under the ministry and its departments as a Technical Department, the ministry also plays a role in implementing projects for other ministries and departments outside the Ministry of Development.
This applies regardless of whether it is implemented in-house, through consultant appointments, or by the design and build method. These typically require involvement from these technical departments, whether at the preliminary stage, contract implementation, or supervision to ensure project quality meets international standards. Kaola see challenges faced by the ministry and these technical departments could be alignment and coordination and client department which sometimes is beyond the control of these technical departments.
However, in the 2025/2026 Budget, kaola noticed the recurrent expenditure, such as for the Public Works Department, has decreased by $3.6 million, similarly in the workforce number, this department also saw a reduction in 48 positions.
With this, kaola would like to request clarification from Yang Berhormat Dato about the ministry's strategic steps to balance these responsibilities and duties with the available resources, especially in achieving the QS3 strategic objective, Nurturing Inclusive Development.
Secondly, kaola would like to touch on the ministry's goal in expediting local business development, specifically objective strategy 8, encouraging active participation of local professionals, technical experts, and local owners and managers.
Kaola welcome this suggestion as the Ministry of Development is one of the agencies responsible for increasing private sector involvement, especially in stimulating construction sector activities and facilitating the business ecosystem in the country.
In this regard, kaola would like to ask what forward steps the ministry will take to further increase the involvement of local businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and technical professionals generally and in the construction industry specifically, in practicing local business development policies to ensure ongoing sustainable and more inclusive economic growth.
Finally, alhamdulillah, kaola observe that the development appropriation for the 2025/2026 Budget, especially under JKR, has increased by approximately $22.4 million, and similarly, the development appropriation for the Housing Development Department has also risen by $2.3 million.
However, if you further scrutinize the usual expenditure, Account 2106. Maintenance and Repair of Assets Public Works Department's allocation has been reduced by $6.2 million compared to last year. Considering many damaged buildings require repairs and rehabilitation, kaola request clarification from the ministry on which budget title these old building restorations are charged to and what are the strategies of the relevant stakeholders in addressing this issue. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Kaola would like to address Title SK03A – Public Works Department, concerning a very important issue that directly impacts the lives of the people which is the problem of clean water supply. As we are aware, the issue of disrupted water supply is not new and has occurred multiple times across the country. Kampung Lumapas is no exception and also experiences a similar problem, even at a very alarming level. This situation raises concern among the local population, especially when they face prolonged water supply disruptions sometimes for as long as 7 consecutive days.
Kaola would like to raise a question under the Title Development Expenditure Estimate Code 1219/005 which is supplying and installing a new inlet water pipe to the Lumapas Storage Tank in the Brunei and Muara District. Kaola note there exists this tank which was completed a few years ago but has not been used since its completion.
The tank, which was supposed to be the solution for water supply issues, remains unutilized. Kaola also understand that the soil structure in the area poses issues like landslides.
Kaola would like to request clarification on the status of this water tank and explanations regarding this matter, and what steps will be taken to ensure it is fully utilized to improve the water supply quality in Kampung Lumapas and its vicinity. Has the ministry identified soil activity in the area so that ongoing work is not affected?
Secondly, SK06A - Land Department. Kaola often receive complaints from villages about operators filling soil without adhering to the regulations and guidelines provided. For example, trucks carry excess soil loads and do not fit covers. This can compromise the safety of road users as the soil falls onto the road, making it dirty and more dangerous if it hits vehicles. Hence, kaola suggest that the relevant parties conduct monitoring to ensure these things do not happen.
That's all. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the discussion space for the Ministry of Development's expenditures and its departments for the Financial Year 2025/2026.
Kaola refer to Title SK03A – Public Works Department Account number 1215 – Addressing Disaster Risk, Public Facilities, and Environment and Water Flow for RKN12 projects in Tutong District.
Kaola welcome the government's efforts in tackling flood and natural disaster problems in Mukim Pekan Tutong, Mukim Keriam, and Kampung Danau areas. In addition, kaola request clarification regarding the current status of project implementation and when it is expected to be completed?
Next, kaola refer to the plan to address the flood issue in the National Housing Plan Bukit Beruang, currently government's response includes cooperation with BEBD in conducting studies and constructing water retention ponds according to feasibility and the consideration of using micro hydropower.
Finally, kaola request clarification on the allocation for upgrading and repairing infrastructure involving Mukim Ukong including Kampung Ukong, Kampung Sungai Damit Pemadang, Kampung Bukit, and Kampung Long Mayan where most of the existing infrastructure is damaged and requires maintenance, repair, and upgrading such as roads, drains, and street lighting facilities, among others.
Kaola request clarification on government plans to provide allocations for development in rural areas especially in providing more conducive infrastructure facilities, including addressing environmental issues like floods. That's all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for your wisdom. Title SK02A Code 003/001 - Management and Maintenance of Estate in the RPN area.
According to the information kaola received, the grass-cutting work in the RPN area is given to Bruneian contractors. However, in reality, based on kaola's observation and that of the local residents, the workers cutting grass in the RPN area are foreigners.
Kaola believes that the requirements in the contract certainly encourage workers to be local citizens. The common excuse of the companies is perhaps that our locals are unwilling to undertake the grass-cutting work. Some local companies fully hand over their company's operations to foreign supervisors, and the control over this operation is lacking from the concerned company owners.
As we know, there are some of our people who have previously offered grass-cutting services; some of them are less capable but are enthusiastic about doing this work to earn a living. In this regard, kaola believes that grass-cutting work can be done by locals because it is not a type of hard labor like laborers in the construction sector. Perhaps what prevents them from getting contracts is the issue of their governance which needs guidance, and maybe they lose in the tender process where the offer from companies run by foreigners is much lower because the foreign workers are willing to take lower salaries.
This issue may seem small, but if a solution is found ensuring that the grass cutters are Bruneians, it could also solve the issue of the proliferation of foreigners in other sectors.
In relation to this, if it is not burdensome for the Ministry of Development and several related ministries, kaola would like to propose that grass-cutting work in the RPN and STKRJ areas be given to MPK or cooperatives to manage and operate with costs borne by the government according to the current provisions.
For areas under the control of the Department of Housing Development and also other ministries whose infrastructures and buildings are within the RPN and STKRJ areas, MPK cooperatives are given the responsibility to ensure that all their workers consist of our local people. MPK cooperatives for their respective catchment areas can collaborate with the Village Heads to identify villagers willing to do grass-cutting work or from other groups of our people ready to undertake grass-cutting work.
To ensure the government also saves costs and provides this opportunity to locals, especially for those with less living ability like JAPEM, JUZWAB donors, and others.
Other departments also where their infrastructure is located in RPN, STKRJ areas like mosques, MORA, schools, MOE, police posts, JPM, fire department, MOHA, and so forth, can give contracts or grass-cutting work of their infrastructure areas to MPK cooperatives under their catchment. To ensure my proposal to be effectively monitored, kaola suggests a pilot project, pilot, to be initially done involving an RPN area in each district in this country.
Secondly, kaola has five issues regarding the National Housing Planning Scheme and also the issue of houses being developed in the RPN area:
First, the issue of RPN house recipients renting their houses to others for profit while many more are still waiting to get their own dream house. What is the policy and step of the Ministry of Development in addressing this matter?;
Secondly, the issue of RPN house distribution where applicants who were initially approved have to wait longer than those approved later. This issue can be referred to from past complaints received through social media and also results from a few RPN house recipients' complaints who waited a long time for their turn and have only now obtained houses.
Most of them inform that recipients who received houses earlier have higher salaries than those not yet granted. Kaola understands that RPN house awards follow the applicant's order and approval. Kaola questions what the Ministry of Development's action is to examine this issue internally and address this to prevent inconsistency?
Third, the issue of applicants who have waited long and only recently got an RPN house but have a short time, five to ten years only, before retirement to implement repayment schemes to the government. Kaola would like to propose the government to establish a repayment saving scheme for the RPN house for applicants already approved, even though the house has not yet been built, they already start saving, and when the time comes, they are provided an RPN house they will not be burdened and hurry to pay the higher amount before they retire.
Fourth, the issue of structure design of houses in the new RPN Lugu, different from previous RPN houses. Kaola understands from some house owners there who are less knowledgeable about the technical design aspect of their house facing challenges installing equipment and house amenities such as air conditioners, water heaters, and others involving drilling and making small holes in the wall.
This involves the owner's and the contractor's safety in carrying out the installation. Kaola's question is whether RPN house owners are given a copy of the plan drawings showing the positions of pipes and electrical wiring throughout the house and the main source-connected cables and large pipes for electricity and water to the house. Kaola believes with this technical drawing, it will be easier for contractors to first inspect the involved place before carrying out any additional work and installation.
Fifth, allow me, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. SK Title 02A 002/000 regarding the number of engineers available in the Department of Housing Development. Kaola also refers to the answer by Yang Berhormat Minister of Development in the question session for oral answer PL122 dated 13 March 2025.
Kaola's question, what are the tasks of the thirteen engineers in the department assigned to them? This considering all engineering work for housing development within RPN has been handed over to qualified engineers in the private sector. Kaola is also puzzled that if there are specific tasks, why have complaints from new RPN houseowners who just received their keys, specifically referring to RPN Lugu where maintenance and repair work during the warranty, defect liability period, have not been handled with the contractor who developed the house.
Kaola also suggests that these engineers go to the field during the warranty period to provide assistance to the house owners less familiar with technical building matters to resolve their issues with the contractors who developed the houses. That is all, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin can now breathe normally again. (laughter from the audience in the chamber). Now (chuckles slightly), we move on to the next group, which will be started by Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, followed by Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, then Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, and Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola refer to Title SK03A Public Works Department under Code 1215 for the Implementation of Flood Mitigation and Irrigation System Projects for key areas and Code 1219 Clean Water Supply.
In relation to this, kaola sees the need to ensure a consistent, stable, and high-pressure water supply system for sectors with high demand, such as food processing factories and livestock areas, which require a larger amount of water because these industries need higher water pressure for daily operation. Water is not only used for the livestock needs but also in maintenance of hygiene and the processing system. Therefore, efforts to increase water pressure in these areas should be part of the water supply system upgrade plan, water distribution, considering operational requirements in industries that need a higher water capacity compared to regular residential areas.
Additionally, for Code 1216 Public Facilities for Land Road Transactions. This provision covers the upgrade project of village road networks and business areas. Kaola sees the necessity to ensure road maintenance in commercial areas is carried out more efficiently and aligned with the established guidelines. In some cases, business premise owners have taken the initiative to maintain roads around their premises.
However, when assessed by the authorities, some are found not meeting the set standards. To ensure better coordination between premise owners and authorities in road maintenance, kaola proposes clearer guidelines and maintenance standards communicated more systematically to stakeholders. This can be done via more effective communication platforms between the Road Department and commercial premises, including providing reference documents easily accessible to ensure maintenance work done by premise owners aligns with technical specifications set by the authorities. That is all, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola refer to SK06A Land Department, Code 001/00 Administration and Management. Referring to Title SK06A, currently there is a lack of a comprehensive and up-to-date land inventory covering land status, including current use and its physical condition. Therefore, kaola propose the need for a land bank; a long-term strategic plan, for example, twenty years identifying areas with potential for development to meet the development needs of various sectors both now and in the future.
This step will ensure more optimal land use planning for sustainable development and help identify potential areas that remain unexplored. Additionally, clear Key Performance Indicators, KPI, need to be introduced to ensure this initiative can be implemented effectively. These KPIs can be used to monitor land inventory updates, assess the level of optimum land use and ensure development planning aligns with long-term needs and environmental sustainability.
As a suggestion, this land bank can include available government land with potential for development, including identifying suitable areas for land reclamation projects, land reclamation. Each district should also have a land inventory identifying specific areas for future development so planning can be done more systematically and directed.
Next, KPI for the Land Management System. With the decreasing area of easily developed land, does the Ministry of Development have a comprehensive monitoring system to oversee land allocation and availability and ensure land management is done systematically and sustainably? How does the government address the issue of allocated land not being developed, which can lead to inefficiency in land use and hinder optimal development? Is there a mechanism for monitoring and enforcement to ensure allocated land is used according to planned development?
Additionally, what key performance indicators are used to assess the effectiveness of this land management system? Specifically in ensuring land development aligns with current and long-term needs. Does the government have plans to introduce policies or incentives to encourage landowners to develop allocated land within a certain timeframe to prevent land from being idle and wasted? That concludes my statements, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola has a few questions to ask for clarification. SK02A Housing Development Department has a Key Performance Indicator, namely the number of unallocated vacant houses due to damage with a baseline of 1,038 houses. This does not include empty government houses or flats in each district. Referring to the set KPI, there is no target for the year 2025, whereas the targets in previous years were 30 and 40, and 30%.
Kaola noticed no target was set for the KPI to repair empty damaged government houses and flats. We do not know the total number of empty damaged houses so far. In line with previous suggestions in discussions or meetings, kaola once again emphasizes the proposal that these empty and damaged government houses be repaired and, if not to be used by government employees, so that they can vacate government-rented houses. It could be considered for local community needs or as office premises, grocery stores through public-private partnerships or cooperatives, or similar initiatives.
SK03A - Public Works Department - RKN $140 million. This is the Title for local contractor involvement in mega projects. During the discussion, Yang Berhormat Menteri stated the ministry has 97 projects in the 12th RKN and 122 projects of other ministries implemented by the ministry. Considering the current lackluster state of the national economy and the scarcity of major projects, private and local development industries heavily rely on the implementation of government projects in the RKN for their survival and competitiveness. Therefore, kaola believes it's time for the ministry to review the strategy for awarding mega project tenders to break them down into suitable packages to ensure local contractors can participate and compete in the regular tender processes without compromising project quality.
SK04A - Town and Country Planning Department - RKN $500 thousand - Land Availability Study in the Land Use Master Plan, NLUP, which will encompass land utilization for the next 20 years. What lessons have been learned from the previous plan? And what are the main differences between the old and the new plan? How does the ministry ensure these plans align with district-level development plans, especially development on private land, to integrate climate change issues and Land Use Planning policies? It's crucial for the Department to take lessons from previous plans and involve public and stakeholder consultations to ensure sustainable and resilient urban and district development for the future. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you for the opportunity to debate the Financial Allocation Budget, Ministry of Development and its departments for the Year 2025/2026 and it is hoped that the Ministry and its departments will provide efficient and effective services in performing systematically and professionally.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola touches on the Title SK03A - Public Works Department. Kaola welcomes and thanks the Government for the projects to be implemented in the Belait District. The 12th RKN includes account number 1217 - Upgrading and Increasing the Connectivity Rate of Sewerage and Cleanliness Systems. Account number 1219 – Providing Clean Water Supply. Kaola hopes that these projects will improve the quality of life and well-being of the people.
Furthermore, kaola refers to Account number 1221 – Science and Technology Master Plan, Preparation and Development, and Innovation 1221-002 – Study for the Floodplain Drainage Management Master Plan for the Temburong District and Belait River, with a budget allocation of $3 million in the 12th RKN. In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on the scope of the studies carried out, whether it involves international experts, and if this study covers the entire Belait District area? That's all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola would like to refer to Title SK03A - Public Works Department - Code 1216 - Regarding Public Facilities for Access by Road. Road issues often receive attention due to their importance in ensuring the safety and smooth movement, including for outside urban residents. Kaola appreciates the ministry's ongoing efforts in maintaining and upgrading roads; however, kaola believes there is room to optimize the implementation methods for more sustainable effectivity. We can consider how preventive measures and early monitoring can be implemented so that repairs are not only reactive but also more planned and systematic. For example, a structured maintenance schedule based on road surface durability and usage rates can be established to ensure the same problems don't recur every year.
Additionally, considering rural roads are often damaged due to heavy rainfall and heavy vehicle use, more durable and locally suitable building material technology can be considered. The use of alternative materials like polymer mix or cold mix asphalt technique, which are more flexible to temperature changes, can reduce frequent repair needs; in fact, this approach not only extends the lifespan of roads but also optimizes the allocation provided for more strategic repairs.
Kaola hopes this can be considered and that the ministry takes more progressive steps in the framework of a long-term plan that accounts for weather factors, usage levels, and infrastructure resilience. With this approach, we can ensure roads not only function for daily convenience but also as more sustainable and durable infrastructure for the well-being of the people and rural development. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to discuss Title SK03A - Public Works Department specifically Code 1215 - Addressing Risk Facing Natural Disasters, Public Facilities, and Environment under Development Expenditure. In facing the challenges of climate change and the increasing need for disaster-resilient infrastructure, kaola appreciates the government's efforts to enhance public infrastructure resilience against disaster risk.
The priorities given to strengthening drainage systems, developing support facilities, and controlling environmental impact reflect awareness of the need to build a more resilient environment. However, concerning public facilities and infrastructure safety, kaola believes that more in-depth attention should be paid to the structural resilience of buildings and critical facilities against natural events.
Our country faces not only patterns of extreme weather change but also challenges in ensuring the long-term safety of government buildings, schools, hospitals, and other important infrastructures. Kaola suggests that structural risk assessments be conducted more regularly on buildings and critical facilities, considering factors such as obsolescence, resilience to low-scale earthquakes, resistance to strong winds, and safety from fire and land erosion risks.
Although our country is not located in an active earthquake zone, earth movement due to rapid development, quarry activities, and erosion in hilly areas can impact the stability of old buildings. Therefore, systematic engineering auditing and assessment need to be enhanced to ensure public infrastructure remains safe and suitable for long-term use.
Additionally, kaola wants to emphasize the importance of public facilities' resilience against climate change effects with rising global temperatures and changes in rain patterns, public facilities such as roads, bridges, and flyover structures need to be designed to withstand extreme temperatures and erosion due to weather. In this regard, using more durable building materials, using more resistant building materials, and adopting design practices that account for environmental changes should be prioritized in infrastructure development projects.
Kaola also believes that the building safety monitoring system should be improved by utilizing modern technology. Many countries have begun using structural sensors and Internet of Things, IOT systems to detect stress or imbalance on buildings and bridges in real time.
Kaola suggests that this technology be gradually implemented in critical locations such as schools, hospitals, and major administrative buildings to ensure any early signs of structural weakness can be detected earlier before leading to more serious incidents. Besides engineering and monitoring aspects, kaola's view is that green and eco-friendly construction approaches should be part of efforts to address risks to public facilities. Developed countries have begun implementing disaster-resistant building concepts that are not only robust but also more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Kaola suggests that this concept be made part of the nation's infrastructure design policy, including in the construction of government buildings, schools, and health centers. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Your Honourable Members, and now the third group, I will invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Kaola begins with Title SK03A – Public Works Department by referring to one of the performance indicators, the Key Performance Indicator set for Code: 002/001 – Road Management with an estimated expenditure of $14,290,806.00, which is to maintain road quality and safety standards at the international level.
Regarding the international quality standards of asphalt road surfaces for highways and main roads that achieve an International Roughness Index, IRI of less than 2.5. The actual achievement for Financial Year 2023/2024 and the estimates and targets for subsequent financial years up to 2028 remain flat at 40 percent.
Kaola requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan, what is the rationale for the ministry in setting this low and flat target? And what are the challenges faced in implementing the initiatives planned to improve the quality of major roads in the country?
Besides main roads, to what extent does the ministry monitor and enforce road safety and quality standards in privately-owned business premises located around Bandar Seri Begawan? For example, in areas such as Batu Satu, Kiulap, and Gadong. The unsatisfactory condition of these roads with continuous damage left unmaintained for a considerable period can pose risks to user safety and comfort, especially during emergencies. At the same time, it also tarnishes the country's image considering these areas are among the focal points for tourist accommodation in the country.
The next topic is SK04A – Department of Town and Country Planning. Code 003/000 – Development Control with an allocation of $15 thousand. In this opportunity, kaola would like to refer to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan's statement regarding the mixed development concept presented when responding to a question from one of the fellow Honourable Members on Tuesday, 11 March. According to Yang Berhormat Menteri, the goal of this mixed development concept is to create a sustainable and inclusive environment where residents can work, recreate, and access services in the same place, as exemplified in the Batu Satu area.
In this regard, kaola first expresses kaola’s support for any form of development concept implemented in this country, but also highlights that aspects of environmental preservation, safety, and comfort of road users and residents in the development area must be prioritized and taken into account.
Kaola refers to example developments, the concept of development in the Batu Satu area, and other areas that are not well-coordinated, causing road users and local residents to park in hazardous areas along the roadway. This situation complicates the passage of other road users and results in congestion, especially for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire engines during emergencies. Therefore, kaola seeks clarification on the steps the ministry should consider to ensure that the progress of this development does not compromise the safety and comfort of other road users and surrounding residents. Strict enforcement of laws is also crucial to ensure all parties comply with existing rules and regulations.
Finally, kaola refers to Title SK01A – Ministry of Development Department. Among the program's objectives is to enhance and expand the competence of officers and staff, as well as increase capacity through appropriate training programs.
Given the nation emphasizes the importance of STEAM education and skills as a catalyst for national development and as a ministry responsible for technical professionals, construction projects, and adherence to technical standards, kaola suggests that the Ministry of Development spearhead the mission to elevate the quality and excellence of technical professionalism in the country.
This can be achieved with widespread exposure to attract the interest of children starting from primary school level through solid collaboration with the Ministry of Education and STEAM Center. Meanwhile, for the young technical education professionals, the ministry should provide opportunities for them to enhance their professionalism and skills through programs such as mentorship schemes and other knowledge transfer programs. That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Apologies for taking 1 minute longer.
Yang Berhormat Awang Salleh bin Haji Othman
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and peace be upon you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola touches on Title SK06A – Department of Lands, Code 002/001, e-Land, System Development for Application and Payment. Kaola welcomes the e-Land system, which is a digital platform developed to facilitate land-related matters, including ownership transfer applications and other land transactions.
This system can improve land administration effectiveness and enhance service quality to the public. This system is also adopted by developed countries to strengthen public services. However, kaola has not yet seen the e-Land system of Brunei Darussalam, as mentioned, on any mobile application platform or smartphone. Has it been launched and implemented?
Furthermore, there are still complaints from the public concerning delays in the processing of ownership transfer and land rights applications. Referring to the department's Key Performance Indicator regarding customer satisfaction percentages through estimates, it does not specify in detail what it concerns.
As a suggestion, kaola proposes that the regulations, systems, and land-related conditions prescribed under the existing land act be reviewed to fit current needs toward expediting processes and making them more straightforward and user-friendly. That's all and I seek clarification, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md Yusof
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to refer to Title SK08A – Department of Environment, Parks, and Recreation under Code 004/000 – Pollution Control and Management under the mentioned Title.
Under this Title, the program ensures solid waste disposal and waste management are implemented and supervised more regularly, effectively, and comprehensively. Waste disposal and solid waste management methods in this country should be executed and supervised more effectively and systematically according to international standards set by WHO to ensure a more secure, sustainable, safe, and clean living environment.
As we know, the common practice for a long time in this country has been to use conventional waste disposal methods and landfills. Until today, the impact of using landfills contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions and causes permanent soil damage, posing risks and long-term negative impacts.
In light of this, kaola would like to share the country's position and some other ASEAN countries' standings in the Environment Performance Index 2024 concerning waste management. In this category, Brunei Darussalam ranks 72nd. Meanwhile, Singapore ranks first, Vietnam 33rd, Laos 42nd, and Cambodia 66th.
Considering this situation, as observed with the press brake implemented in Singapore concerning waste management, it is carried out using technology and innovation in solid waste management, including recycling the waste into building materials, pavement, and generating electricity.
Singapore produced approximately 7.4 million tonnes of waste in 2023, and half of it was recycled. This is an example of innovation that truly leverages available waste resources for sustainable development purposes.
It is also acknowledged that during the opening of the 20th Session of the National Assembly for the year 2024/2025, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan made a statement about planning infrastructures using the incinerator system for waste-to-energy expected to commence operations in 2029.
The concern of the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam about cleanliness matters is noted by taking steps such as establishing the Principal Cleanliness Issues Committee since 2018, which, among other responsibilities, set national cleanliness policies, devise national strategies and monitor the implementation of cleanliness initiatives.
Similarly, the amendment to the Environmental Protection and Management legislation in 2022 includes the responsibility of maintaining, preserving, and prospering the country for future generations.
In this regard, towards achieving the country's goal of ensuring a guaranteed continuation of life free from environmental pollution by maintaining resilient green, clean, healthy, and safe environments, as well as initiatives to elevate the country's index better according to international evaluations in the Environment Performance Index related to waste management, kaola seeks clarification on the status of developments and initiatives that have been implemented so far and plans for the future.
Firstly, are initiatives underway to transform the current waste disposal system that is more efficient and effective, where garbage is collectively dumped in non-environment-friendly dumpsites, causing pollution risks, unpleasant odors, and uncontrolled cleanliness, posing health risks?;
Secondly, what are the initiatives and strategic plans of the Principal Cleanliness Issues Committees? Furthermore, the execution of the incinerator system waste-to-energy project, which is projected to begin operations in 2029.
Kaola would like to continue if permitted by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Concerning the Title Department of Housing Development under provision 002/001 – Planning and Design. As understood, the design and build method, combining planning and construction into a single contract package, aims to save time and costs in project implementation.
However, based on experience and received information, it is undeniable that this condition also poses several challenges and weaknesses that deserve appropriate attention from the ministry and relevant agencies.
In recent years, we can see that there are projects carried out using the design and build method that have stalled and failed to meet the promised quality criteria and results.
Such failures often result in government losses and damage the reputation and confidence of the public towards the government's project execution system. This situation can portray that the design and build method is unsuitable for all project types, especially those requiring transparency in quality control and continuous monitoring.
Brunei architectural and cultural elements are often sidelined when employing the design and build approach, reducing the uniqueness and local identity in the structural buildings constructed.
For instance, projects such as public buildings, housing, mosques, and others that have a direct impact, if not on the welfare of the community, require closer scrutiny and higher quality.
In this context, the conventional method that separates planning and construction remains relevant for these projects to ensure higher guaranteed quality and outcomes.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on whether the Ministry of Development carries out studies and analyses leading to the selection and producing guidance before implementing a project, whether using the design and build method or conventional approach. This is to ensure the best overreaching choice by considering aspects of quality, architectural design, and building structure, cost-effectiveness, and benefits that can be derived by local citizens, especially those involved in professional fields. That's all. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Kaola apologizes to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for exceeding by over two minutes. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Alhamdulillah, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the budget allocation for the Ministry of Development and its departments for advancement expenditure for Financial Year 2025/2026.
Kaola refers to Title SK01A, Code 002/000, Policy Planning and Management. Summarizing and aligning existing policies, including drafting new policies related to land use, construction industry, housing, infrastructure housing, and environment, and planning for optimal land use.
In this regard, kaola would like to emphasize a matter that requires attention concerning the design of government buildings. Government buildings function not only as administrative places but also as symbols of the country's strength and identity. Therefore, the design of government buildings should consider functionality that takes into account functional needs, ensuring they effectively support administrative operations and public service. This includes sufficient space, comfortable and efficient facilities, and easy access for the public. Besides this, modern technology should also be integrated. This includes technology use initiatives that support environmentally friendly as well as cost-effective settings.
Additionally, the concept of nationality should be a crucial element in the design of government buildings. The design should reflect the cultural, historical, and value identities of our country, based on Malay Islamic Monarchy, MIB. As such, they are not only seen as physical structures but also symbols of strength, stability, and national identity, as well as iconic tourist attractions. They reflect our inspiration as a progressive, cultured nation sensitive to the needs of the people and country.
Consequently, kaola is delighted to propose that building and infrastructure design policies prioritize the features kaola mentioned earlier. What are the government's plans in supporting environmental issues in the design of government buildings? That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola has three questions, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First, the RKN Development Expenditure Estimate Code 1216 - Public Facilities for Land Road Traffic. The total RKN amount is $114,831,758. Alhamdulillah, a large allocation has been provided for upgrading the country's road infrastructure. However, traffic congestion issues remain unresolved at the same locations for extended periods. For example, the roads from Kampong Lugu along the Kilanas and Bunut roads up to Batu Satu.
Kaola believes this congestion is due to the growth of settlements, private and commercial housing projects, and the increasing number of vehicles over time, while the road conditions have not changed. This congestion results in a waste of time and energy for road users and also negatively impacts productivity due to longer travel times to workplaces and schools. Could you please shed light on what measures the ministry has planned to address ongoing traffic congestion issues in these areas?
Kaola suggests that the Ministry conduct a bottleneck study and consider future development plans such as the construction of residential areas and schools. A comprehensive review should be conducted to evaluate the entire process from planning to execution. This approach is important to ensure that road design and traffic systems not only solve current problems but are also resilient for future growth.
The second question has been touched upon by a colleague, but kaola would like to add, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. This pertains to the waste-to-energy project. Kaola would like to inquire about what steps the ministry is taking to find more sustainable waste management alternatives until the plant is completed, considering that the Sungai Paku landfill capacity is expected to reach its usage limit by 2030.
Referring next to SK04A Urban and Rural Planning Department. Code 002/000 - Urban and Rural Planning. The total budget is $665,667 - Preparation of Development Plans. Public involvement in planning and key performance indicators. Kaola welcomes the Urban and Rural Planning Department's initiative in enhancing information dissemination and exposure to the public and stakeholders about urban and rural planning and development projects. Efforts like dialogue sessions, focus group discussions, and consultations with the youth are highly appreciated.
In addition, how can the ministry involve the role of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils in this process? Kaola hopes that this initiative can be continued in future Development plans, including master plans such as the National Land Use Master Plan, NLUMP. As a suggestion, kaola recommends implementing key prestige indicators, KPIs, to evaluate the effectiveness of these engagement sessions and ensure that feedback received is well-utilized in the planning process. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and warm greetings. Kaola would first like to express my gratitude to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan for the completion of the strategic plan papers for the Ministry of Development.
Kaola refers to program 003/000, which is Construction Industry Management - Regulating, Developing, and Monitoring, and Ensuring that Registered Contractors and Suppliers Have Relevant Potential, Competence, and Capability. Kaola welcomes this effort as several cases have been reported where works by contractors building houses, renovating, or performing minor works have encountered various problems. This often occurs when contractors do not adhere to agreements or face financial issues, and so on. Therefore, kaola would like to ask if the Ministry of Development has a list of contractors who repeatedly violate these agreements and are blacklisted to protect the interests of customers so that they do not offer their services again. And how does the Ministry ensure that every foreign worker has the competence in the work they do?
Next, kaola touches on Title 1215 - Addressing Natural Disaster Risks, Public Facilities, and Environment. In kaola's memory, almost every year we perform upgrading works, either projects that are new or ongoing. Kaola's question is, does any project have a lifespan or validity? For example, a project built in 2026 should meet needs and remain functional for several years to come, 10 or 20 years into the future. The construction of several detention ponds and storm drains, for instance, in some areas should be able to control flooding occurrences but in some areas it still happens. So kaola seeks clarification on whether these projects have a lifespan that we can rely on to prevent further flooding problems. Heavy rain disasters not only cause floods in low-lying areas but also landslides.
Kaola is confident that this matter has been taken into consideration by the ministry, but in kaola's view, protecting only two sites annually is insufficient given the number of houses on slopes and foothills. Thus, kaola thinks perhaps more than two sites annually could help those areas.
Further, kaola refers to Title 1216/000 - Road Infrastructure Projects where in the Nation's Development Plan, RKN-12 has been allocated a Plan Price of $80 million. Kaola would like to ask about the status of three major projects, namely 1216/005 - Tutong Road Upgrade, 1216/006 - Expansion of Tungku Highway, and 1216/007 - Expansion of Muara Road. Is there a schedule for when the Tutong Road upgrade will commence? When will it begin? Because upgrading the Tutong Road has been long planned, and if there was no allocation before, it is now provided under RKN-12.
The need to upgrade the Tutong Road considers the potential development in that area, and the project's implementation needs to be expedited. Similarly, the Muara Road where the number of cars using this road is increasing with housing areas such as Panchor Mengkubau, Meragang, and Tanah Jambu. With the provision of funds, kaola suggests these projects should commence immediately.
Additionally, kaola would like to refer to Title 1221/010 - Urban Progress Action Plan for Bandar Seri Begawan, Pekan Tutong, and Pekan Belait and Seria. Kaola would like to ask if there were any district plans and action plans previously and what is the status of their implementation? Because in kaola's memory, there were district plans before but possibly not executed because they are not statutory and thus not required to be implemented.
Finally, kaola refers to 002/001 - Area Management and Landscape Preservation, where this year's allocation appears to have increased slightly from last year. Kaola seeks clarification if there are new projects currently being undertaken or to be undertaken by JASTRE. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Your Honourable Members. I will now give the floor to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan to provide comments or responses to the matters that have been raised or debated by the Your Honourable Appointed Members earlier. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (Prayer read)
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. With the space given to respond to the questions raised by the Your Honourable Members earlier who have posed their questions, and the first question from Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, who raised the issue of clean water problems.
Among them, the persistent yellow water issue that has lingered year after year and its impact on the quality of life for the people. Regarding this matter, perhaps the Your Honourable Members are aware that efforts have been explained about the initiatives made to improve and undertake prevention efforts to solve the yellow water problem. From the feedback from other areas, there seems to be a change in the last two years from the efforts made.
So indeed, an open line has been set up with the Director of the Water Department along with the Permanent Secretary, and any area facing the yellow water problem should immediately contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Development when it occurs, so an Engineer can be dispatched to inspect and identify where the yellow water originates. Therefore, for this matter, kaola is pleased to request the Your Honourable Member to specify areas that have been facing long-term yellow water issues so Kaola can send officers to inspect those areas. That's the question regarding water.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I believe several Your Honourable Members have brought up the water issue. So perhaps.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Consolidated.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
The offer made by the Yang Berhormat can be used by other Your Honourable Members to specifically inquire with the Ministry of Development about the issues faced by the affected residents.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you also for the clarification given by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi regarding the offer and its purpose and meaning, kaola also in this matter, thank you.
And hopefully, the issue will be addressed as soon as possible to resolve the yellowing water problem, which is very important.
The second issue concerns the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir regarding the Temburong River's water and its source changes. Regarding the quality system for online or real-time monitoring of the treatment plants in the country, to ensure that the clean water meets the standards set by the World Health Organization, WHO.
Thus, this matter is indeed a priority given by the ministry regarding the water situation in Temburong, and several visits have been made to inspect the tanks there, as well as further progress in terms of piping and maintenance work required. This includes the study of the water quality in the Temburong River to observe the changes in its water quality and to address any pollution that might occur.
The installation of an online water quality monitoring system is indeed planned for implementation, included in the budget allocated in RKN-12. Among the upgrade projects in Temburong is increasing the capacity of clean water production at the Batang Duri Water Treatment Plant from 5 megaliters per day to 20 megaliters per day. Regarding the areas indicated by GPS, as suggested by Yang Berhormat, the GPS application in mobile phones is a system provided globally and not by the Survey Department. For using the GPS application in any area, telecommunication signals are required. Among the reasons GPS cannot be used is due to a lack of telecommunication signals, low signal interference, including in restricted areas.
Therefore, with the availability of signals extending offshore, especially from the service providers of Negara Brunei Darussalam, providing internet signals nationwide, if extended to offshore, the GPS system, data, and signals will be obtained.
Next, kaola, in responding to the question raised by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026, the Public Works Department facing funding cuts, especially in maintenance.
Regarding the $62 million cut, if we look at the allocation supported for discussion, the overall Recurrent Expenditure of the Public Works Department has decreased by $3 million, around 4% from the previous budget.
However, despite the reduction, there has been an increase in several other spending categories. The allocation for asset acquisition has significantly increased by $2.4 million, which is 221%, while service 2109 also shows a rise of $1.38 million, 44%, and, besides that, the expenditure for rent and leasing has increased by 231%, indicating additional needs in these categories.
Over the past three years, JKR has spent around 90 to 95% of the approved budget. This indicates the importance of more flexible allocation management. Therefore, the Ministry of Development and JKR will rearrange the existing allocation to ensure more optimal use, considering the reductions in several accounts mentioned by the Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Among the steps taken are ensuring that building infrastructure maintenance needs continue, despite budget reductions. One approach is prioritizing maintenance work in critical premises, especially involving basic infrastructure like clean water supply, drainage, sewerage, roads, and housing.
The basic infrastructure maintenance schedule will be reorganized according to priorities, ensuring that major damages are prioritized while minor or non-urgent damages are deferred or postponed temporarily to maximize the limited allocation.
We will continue to utilize term maintenance contracts for routine maintenance work. This approach ensures work is done consistently and more controlled. Additionally, optimizing internal sources, including leveraging existing professional experts within the Public Works Department. Despite challenges with reduced allocations, the restructuring is expected to mitigate the impact of allocation reductions on maintenance operations in the critical aspects mentioned earlier.
Regarding the Local Business Development policy, it has been partly implemented in several aspects due to existing challenges and constraints. Among the initiatives to increase local company and workforce participation in the construction sector are contractual clauses in contracts awarded to successful builders. In contracts managed by the Ministry of Development, the Local Business Development clause becomes a requirement in tender documents to ensure contractors prioritize and comply with local businesses, traders, and workers in purchasing materials available from local traders or manufacturers.
Moreover, the Contractor Development Program, held twice a year under the ABCi Division's management, provides training to local company owners in entrepreneurship management, finance, and construction knowledge. This effort encourages local entrepreneurs and provides them opportunities to overcome managerial challenges faced by construction companies or material suppliers, particularly in addressing accounting and financial management issues. Previously, due to weaknesses, 58 percent of construction license renewal applications by entrepreneurs were rejected for failing to meet certain eligibility criteria.
In 2023, 58 percent of builder license renewal applications were rejected, highlighting the need to boost local entrepreneur involvement in the ministry's industry and tenders.
Furthermore, to encourage local industry performance, the Construction Industry Excellence Award was introduced last year, 2024, specifically for local companies of class one and two. This is to encourage high involvement of local entrepreneurs in class one and two and plan and identify any actions, support, or assistance that can be provided to entrepreneurs in these categories.
The Ministry of Development also established the Construction Personnel Taskforce in October 2023 to further strengthen workforce localization. The taskforce identifies technical positions that should be prioritized for locals, such as Construction Supervisor, Construction Foreman, and Construction Tradesman, and collaborates with training institutions like the Youth Development Center, Life Long Learning, and IBTE to provide Skill and Certification Upgrade Programs for locals.
The program mentioned earlier is among the pioneering programs for Health Safety Environment, also aimed at supporting the employability of local youths in the construction industry and to be deployed to successful contract bidders to include a condition of hiring locals who meet the qualifications for the intended construction projects and tenders.
Currently, the Ministry of Development has not set a KPI for the local foreign worker ratio in the construction industry. The specific KPI target has not been established yet.
However, the ministry supports initiatives to achieve the target of over 5,000 positions currently held by foreign workers to be shifted to locals as stated by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Minister of Finance and Economy II on Monday, March 10, in this esteemed house.
Next, regarding the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong about the water issue earlier, kaola had requested Yang Berhormat to identify the areas where the yellowing water issue persists so that immediate action can be taken to resolve it.
If there is yellowing water, kaola suggests not delaying reporting the issue immediately, as we are concerned about safety, especially if the water is discolored.
So if the water should follow specific safety criteria or color identification criteria. If the color has changed, it should be reported immediately so that action can be taken.
Regarding the Lumapas Tank, there were previously two tanks in Lumapas, and one Tank Lumapas I, through efforts and involvement with the Department of Water, the Public Works Department has been rehabilitated, and the tank has been in use since 2023, supplying water to several surrounding areas, Kampung Kasat and also Kampung Lumapas, as well as several other areas outside it.
As for the second tank, Tank Lumapas II was supposed to be rehabilitated simultaneously with Tank Lumapas I, but due to issues involving land activities where pipes in the ground were damaged and broken, requiring new pipe installations, which involve considerable expenses, a budget application process has been conducted, and the budget has been received, and it is currently in the tendering plan for project implementation.
Thus, with the repair of the piping system for Tank Lumapas II in due course, work can commence on repairing it, and once the pipe has been properly fixed, it can fulfill the expectations set out by the question from Yang Berhormat to support water needs in the Lumapas areas and also Kampung Kasat.
Subsequently, the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, regarding government initiatives to address flooding and natural disaster issues in Mukim Pekan Tutong, Mukim Keriam, and Kampung Danau.
Several infrastructure projects have been presented previously regarding the planned ponds, with several of them already constructed, as previously mentioned, involving questions raised by Your Honourable Members regarding the end of life, or the structures' lifetag, of water and flood management ponds.
One of the efforts made, apart from these pond provisions, is the dredging and widening of rivers and ponds in the Tutong District, involving Sungai Telamba, Sungai Pepakan, Sungai Danau, Sungai Kelakas, and Kuala Sungai Tutong. The tender was opened on January 22, 2025, and will close on March 25, 2025.
If later, when the work on the project begins, insya-Allah, it will be communicated to Yang Berhormat who inquired. You might be invited to jointly monitor the progress of this work later.
Insya-Allah, the objective of this project is to enhance river capacity for smoother water flow through dredging and widening of existing rivers.
Secondly, the Flood Prevention Scheme in Pekan Tutong, Kampung Keriam, and Kampung Bukit Bendera. The tender was opened on December 18, 2024, and will close on March 25, 2025.
This project aims to reduce the flood risk in flood-prone areas, such as Kampung Keriam, Kampung Suran, Kampung Sinaut, and Kampung Bendera.
Mitigation measures to upgrade the drainage construction system, drainage pump systems, and the construction of flood retention levees. Preliminary work for the second outlet of Sungai Tutong is expected to open for tender in May. This is still in the planning for tender documents at present and will be opened in May 2025.
The flood issue at RPN Bukit Beruang, the Ministry acknowledges the proposal to use Micro Hydro Power machines as a local flood mitigation measure. The study finds that floods in this area are categorized as Local Flooding, requiring repairs and enlargement of the existing drainage system with an estimated cost of $858,000.
Thus, the allocation is available, and actions will be taken on this matter to inform Your Honourable Members.
Regarding the proposal to build reservoir ponds in the RPN Bukit Beruang area, this matter has been considered and studied but cannot be implemented as it does not provide a positive impact on the area's flood categorization.
The Ministry has also conducted a study titled the Feasibility Study for Flood Occurrences at RPN Bukit Beruang on February 12, 2025, closed on March 4, 2025. This study aims to identify the main cause of flooding activities in the area, namely RPN Bukit Beruang, by determining the location and best design for flood mitigation systems and more holistic mitigation measures.
Regarding the allocation for upgrading and repairing infrastructure in Mukim Ukong, the Ministry of Development has carried out sectional road repairs, that is, stage-by-stage repairs on Jalan Long Mayan Merangking, Jalan Long Mayan Merimbun, Jalan Long Mayan Bukit, at three locations along 450 meters last year, 2024.
Currently, road repairs and drainage system maintenance are being carried out section-by-section using term contracts.
The Ministry of Development will also upgrade roads in Long Mayan Merangking to the concrete level along 1.5 kilometers under the RKN-12 allocation, which is currently in the appraisal process.
Regarding the question of what the government's plans are to provide more conducive infrastructure for the people's welfare, including in rural areas.
Among the steps taken and will be taken first is the maintenance of infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and drainage systems, to ensure this infrastructure continues functioning well and safely. Secondly, the implementation of Flood Mitigation Projects such as dredging and widening of water channels, upgrading drainage systems, constructing reservoir ponds, and installing drainage pump systems to accommodate rainwater in high-risk areas.
Thirdly is a comprehensive study to ensure more systematic and effective planning in addressing flood issues and other natural disasters.
Referring to the question from Yang Berhormat Mohammad Ali bin Tanjung.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan, perhaps it is almost impossible for you to, what is it, answer all the related questions in detail, it would be better if you can just skim through the questions posed and it would be good if Yang Berhormat can answer them in writing.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola also hope that what Yang Berhormat Pengerusi suggested since there is a lot to read here. I'm sorry for that, so kaola will take some specific and perhaps larger issues to be addressed here.
There are several questions earlier, so other questions that are less serious, we will address these matters in writing.
One of the main issues to be explained in this esteemed chamber regards the question raised by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yussof earlier on the waste to energy system, regarding incineration.
The waste to energy project is currently in the proposal request preparation stage through an appointed consultant. The request for proposal is scheduled to open on 17 July 2025, with the deadline for proposal submission on 23 October 2025. If an investor is successfully identified, then this project will be awarded on 10 July 2026.
This is the planning timeline provided, and the contract is expected to be signed on 2 October 2026. The plant's construction is expected to begin after that, aiming for full operation by 2029.
And kaola also need to mention this question, responding to the question raised by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin earlier regarding the same matter. Thus, regarding this waste-to-energy plant, it is estimated to have a capacity of 25 megawatts per day.
This figure is still under further study to determine its contribution to Brunei Darussalam's energy needs in percentage terms. Besides generating electricity, this plant will also produce by-products such as ash that can be used in the construction and horticulture industries, in line with sustainable waste reduction efforts.
And indeed there are efforts to identify whether this ash can be used safely as a mixture for making bricks as a construction material.
Apart from that, while waiting for the operation of the waste of energy project, the steps taken are as follows: preparation of regulations on solid waste management, expanding the method of waste collection from house to house through concession contracts starting with the National Housing areas, providing guidelines related to waste collection management, solid waste for waste to energy incinerators, implementing several initiatives towards reducing the amount of waste produced.
In preparing the proposal request, consideration is given to completing the necessary infrastructure, such as water and drainage, especially in arranging the electricity system network to ensure energy from waste to energy can be channeled to the existing energy grid with the Energy Department, Prime Minister's Office. So this matter is also included in the content of the proposal request document.
Regarding several questions earlier, if kaola can encompass everything involving roads before this, kaola has also, shared information regarding the 18 contracts, term contracts for road and highway maintenance implemented in RKN12.
So, hopefully, this response and the works that will be initiated will address some of the issues raised about the quality of roads that we hope can be repaired and resurfaced for more comfort, safety, and better appearance from our perspective.
So Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, that is what kaola can summarize from the responses delivered earlier as advised. Other questions that cannot be answered now will be provided in writing.
Kaola express gratitude to Your Honourable Members for the excellent questions earlier and also to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving space to kaola to answer these questions. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. During the debate presented, I am intrigued by several proposals put forward by Your Honourable Members.
Some are suggestions thought to be feasible subject to our technical ingenuity.
So, I hope those matters can be jointly reviewed so that whatever proposals are presented will benefit the Ministry of Development in its efforts to bring improvements to our nation's infrastructure, God Willing. I think it is time for us now to close the debate on this Title, and this Title is now ready for us to vote on.
Your Honourable Members who agree, please raise your hand.
(All Your Honourable Members raised their hands)
Thank you. It seems all Members agree. Therefore, we approve this Title.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SK01A - SK08A becomes part of the Schedule. Title SH01A – SH06A Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. Before we move to Title SH01A - SH06A Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, I would like to request permission for us to take a 15-minute break, and we will resume this discussion.
(The Committee Meeting takes a 15-minute break)
(The Committee Meeting resumes)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. Now our Committee Meeting resumes, and we will begin debating Titles SH01A to SH06A - Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
As usual, this debate will commence by inviting the Appointed Your Honourable Members; it seems there are 17 Appointed Your Honourable Members who are interested in participating in this discussion, and I will divide the Your Honourable Members into three sections.
In the first section, I will invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee and Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Mohamed. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and blessings and best wishes.
Kaola would like to refer to Title SH06A - Department of Tourism Development, Code 002/001- Enhancement of Tourism Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services.
Alhamdulillah, in this year 2025, the Department of Tourism Development has taken the initiative to bring the Members of the Legislative Council for working visits to tourism destinations in this country.
One very meaningful experience was having the opportunity to see the Brunei tribes' culture up close. Visits like this truly open our eyes to the rich heritage of our nation.
However, it is undeniable that there are challenges in terms of distance and time to visit locations showcasing these tribal cultures, especially for tourists with tight schedules, making it difficult to spare time visiting far-off places.
For those who come specifically for cultural tourism, this situation can certainly limit their experience as they do not have the opportunity to visit all areas.
Therefore, kaola would like to voice the suggestion of the Associations of Brunei Native Tribes, a proposal that might ease this situation and, at the same time, enhance the appeal of cultural tourism.
They suggest developing an area where the seven Brunei tribes can be gathered in one place, similar to the Cultural Village found in our neighboring country, Kuching, Sarawak.
With such a place, both foreign and domestic tourists could see, feel, and also appreciate the uniqueness of each Brunei tribe in one location. They could enjoy cultural performances, observe traditional arts and crafts, and taste authentic foods from each tribe, all without having to travel far from one location to another.
Aside from benefiting tourists, kaola believe this proposal will also create opportunities for the local community, especially the Brunei tribe associations, to be directly involved in promoting their heritage. These associations are very willing to collaborate in developing this project.
Kaola hope this proposal will be considered to fulfill the hopes of the seven Brunei tribes. That is all. Thank you Yang Di-Pertua, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Alhamdulillah, firstly, kaola am delighted to express my deepest appreciation and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan for the achievements and initiatives undertaken by the ministry in collaboration with strategic partners to enhance the growth of the food industry and strengthen food security, as well as promote the tourism industry in this country, all comprehensively presented through the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri on Saturday, 15 March 2025.
My first question refers to code SH02A - Forestry Department, Code 002/003 - Law Enforcement 2025/2026 with an allocation of $38,000. Referring to Title SH02A 003 - Law Enforcement, my question is how effective is the enforcement in managing and developing the forest resources and industry?
Are there incidents of regulatory violations such as illegal logging or uncontrolled exploitation of forest resources, and how does the ministry address these issues?
The second question refers to SH06A – Department of Tourism Development, RKN 12/11 - Advancing the Tourism Industry with a total of $7,317,350.00, allocation for Financial Year 2026 $1,398,900.00.
There are several tourism industry projects included in this RKN. Given that the tourism industry has high potential to boost the national economy, how does the ministry plan to implement these projects to accelerate tourism industry connections?
It is suggested that the ministry considers releasing these projects from the RKN so that they can be completed promptly instead of in phases.
That's all. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and blessings and best wishes. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Kaola only wish to raise three additional questions because some of my questions were already answered by Yang Berhormat Menteri in his statement last Saturday.
Firstly, the National Tourism Industry Roadmap 2024-2035 outlines a tourism ecosystem from pre-arrival, arrival, stay, and departure from this country.
Each process involves many parties, including the public and private sectors related to the hospitality industry, which undoubtedly requires alignment, integrated and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Therefore, kaola request clarification on the ministry's alignment measures, whether with government agencies or service operators in this sector.
Similarly, regarding the ministry's efforts to boost internal capacity, to enhance its assigned roles, as seen in the allocation for the Department of Tourism Development, the number of positions under Code 002/000 – Mid-Management Section for Product and Tourism Business Development has been reduced by two, 2 positions.
Kaola understand that the ministry may use advanced technologies such as AI and so forth to improve and enhance these tasks; however, kaola believe it still requires human resources to manage them.
Secondly, alhamdulillah, in the 2025/2026 Financial Year Budget, the Department of Tourism Development has been given increased allocations, especially for title 004/00 – Tourism Promotion and Marketing concerning publicity programs, advertising, media, and promotions, which increased by $1.2 million.
Alhamdulillah, congratulations and well done. kaola appreciate the ministry's efforts and initiatives so far. Kaola hope the KPI target of 370,546 tourist arrivals via air will be achieved.
Nevertheless, kaola would like to request clarification on the ministry's forward steps in enhancing the contribution in terms of hotel occupancy rates, targeted at 34.3%, and the average expenditure of $140 per day for each tourist.
Kaola feel this is still below the standard of our counterparts in ASEAN, which would provide a significant impact on the tourism industry as a whole.
Lastly, in RKN12, 5 projects are planned specifically to develop the tourism industry.
One proposed project is to strengthen basic infrastructure and public facilities at tourist attractions nationwide, with a designated plan price of $3 million.
However, for the Financial Year 2025/2026, only $30,000 is allocated, indicating that the project is still at the drawing board stage.
Kaola would like clarification on what programs are included in this account and when they can be fully implemented to achieve the intended outcomes.
Additionally, kaola want to know the activities to be implemented for account 1211-009, Enhancing Tourism Industry Quality, which has a planned amount of $1 million but only has a token allocation of $10,000 in the 2025/2026 budget, which also means the project is still in the preliminary stage.
That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Kaola is delighted to refer to the title HH02A Forestry Department code 002/001 - Forest Farms and Silviculture Management and Development Activity.
Kaola would like to ask what is the size of the logging and forest farm area, and with an allocation of $60 thousand per year with a $5 thousand reduction from the previous financial year's allocation, how does the Ministry ensure that the management of these forest resources is carried out efficiently.
Secondly, HH04A Department of Agriculture and Agrifood code 004/00 - Plant, Livestock, and Agrifood Industry Management.
How does the Ministry address challenges such as acidic land, unpredictable weather changes, and disease threats in efforts to enhance agricultural and fisheries productivity and ensure the sustainability of this sector in the long term?
What are the short-term and long-term strategies planned, including the building of modern agricultural technology, research and development, and cooperation with local and international institutions to address these issues?
Additionally, what form of support and incentives are offered to farmers and breeders to help them adapt to these challenges and enhance their productivity?
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First and foremost, kaola would like to commend the efforts of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism for the target to increase air tourist arrivals by over 94% for the year 2025/2026 compared to the actual numbers in 2023/2024, which was 190,889.
With a 174% increase in the allocation under code 004/001, Tourist Promotion and Marketing, kaola hopes this year will mark a significant achievement for the tourism sector in Brunei.
According to the Borneo Bulletin, Brunei welcomed 11 cruise ships in 2024 bringing more than 17 thousand international visitors. This is a stable increase compared to 2023, showcasing Brunei's growing appeal as a cruise destination.
At the same time, according to RTB last January, the Department of Tourism Development expects 11 cruise ships to dock this year as well.
Therefore, kaola seeks clarification on how the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism collaborates with BEDB and related agencies to ensure local businesses can capitalize on these arrivals, and kaola also wants to know how many vendors have been involved and the growth we can expect this year.
On the next point, photography is one of the main activities for tourists of all ages, but how many recognized and photogenic landmarks are there in Brunei?
Has the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism considered leveraging media and film exposure to create such landmarks?
For example, dramas and variety shows like Outdoor Chronicles and Battle Trip have featured Brunei, but what concrete steps have been taken to turn these locations into tourist attractions like K-drama landmarks or K-variety hotspots.
Additionally, Brunei's dining spots have been visited by famous people and foreign dignitaries; have any actions been taken to enhance the branding and promote these places as diplomatic hotspots to attract international attention?
Finally, with initiatives like basic birdwatching, specialized tourist guide courses, and Ulu Temburong National Parks Trail, we have the opportunity to attract conservation enthusiasts, biodiversity researchers, and eco tourists from around the world.
Brunei can uniquely position itself as a natural and eco-tourism destination, given its extensive forest cover, rich biodiversity, and ongoing conservation efforts.
In this regard, kaola wishes to clarify the difference between natural tourism and eco-tourism; natural tourism is tourism concerning the environment, while eco-tourism is tourism for the environment.
Kaola's question is, besides collaborating with lifestyle influencers, does the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism consider working with science, biodiversity scientists, or conservation advocates like Robert Irwin to showcase Brunei's unique ecosystem on a global stage?
By strengthening our natural environment, Brunei can expand its nature-based and eco-tourism appeal and establish itself as a premier eco-tourism destination. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to discuss Title SH06A - Tourism Development Department for Key Performance Indicators.
We are seeing a target for the number of tourist arrivals to increase this financial year. Kaola welcomes the various measures that have been taken to enhance the nation's competitiveness as a tourist destination, including the expansion of international promotion markets and the strengthening of infrastructure and services. Kaola wishes to touch on the extent to which this industry impacts the economy of the people. Tourism strategies need to be supported with a more comprehensive approach to ensure that its benefits are enjoyed by more parties, including local entrepreneurs and rural communities.
One aspect that deserves attention is the empowerment of agrotourism and rural tourism as new sources of income.
Kaola sees that there is still much potential that can be optimally harnessed in this sector, particularly in marketing local agricultural products to tourists, such as farms that already produce high-quality products that can be packaged as tourism experiences.
Offering farm tours with interactive livestock activities and fresh agricultural produce exhibitions can not only attract tourists but also create new job opportunities for rural communities.
However, one of the main challenges in implementing agrotourism is the lack of capital and supportive infrastructure for small farmers and breeders.
Kaola suggests that perhaps a mechanism for assistance or microfinancing could be introduced to support rural entrepreneurs interested in joining the tourism sector.
Furthermore, local business networks need to be strengthened within the tourism industry, though efforts have been made to involve the local community, challenges persist in ensuring local products and services truly become the preferred choice in the tourism ecosystem.
As an additional step, kaola suggests an incentive program for hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators to prioritize the use of local ingredients in their food preparation and services.
Additionally, the crafts and cultural industries need to be enhanced by providing more opportunities for local products within tourism events and major shopping centers.
Kaola also sees the need to enhance capacity and training for small entrepreneurs in the tourism sector so that they are better prepared to compete in the market.
With this approach, not only can we strengthen the involvement of local entrepreneurs, but also ensure that every tourism expenditure has a direct impact on the national economy. In the effort to make the tourism sector a driving force of the national economy, the effectiveness of each investment must be measured more holistically.
Therefore, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the tourism sector should not only focus on the number of tourist arrivals but also consider tourist spending rates in the local economy, increased use of local products within the tourism industry, and the development of employment and business opportunities in this sector.
With that, we can ensure that every strategy implemented truly yields the expected economic impact, thereby reinforcing the role of the tourism sector in achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Now, I will read the group that, the Honourable Members in the second group, led by Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to focus on Title SH04A - Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, specifically code 1210, strengthening food security.
In the effort to enhance the nation's food security, we must not only focus on current production issues but also ensure the supply chain, production capacity, and competitiveness of farmers and breeders are continuously enhanced.
The agricultural sector requires not only incentives but also more strategic planning in increasing capacity and all operations so that this industry can genuinely contribute to the national economy and become more sustainable.
Kaola wishes to highlight the production of meat, poultry, and eggs as the main food security commodities. One of the biggest challenges is the competitiveness of small and medium enterprise (SME) farmers who remain on a small scale without significant capacity growth.
If our objective is to increase production and profitability, then the allocation of land to farmers needs to be aligned with the actual needs of commercial production.
Currently, the existing scheme usually offers 2 hectares of land to SME farmers, but if operators genuinely wish to realize larger profits and enhance their contribution to the nation's food security, this land tenure size must be increased to at least 4 hectares or more, allowing operators to double or accelerate the production rate to achieve a more comparative volume and ensure a more sustainable return on investment.
Beyond production capacity, post-harvest issues also present a major challenge, particularly in terms of agricultural stock storage. In many cases, farmers experience losses due to the lack of suitable storage facilities, especially for perishable goods like vegetables and fruits.
Thus, kaola believes there is a need to develop more systematic cold storage facilities accessible to local farmers. Cold storage is not only crucial to prevent waste and losses from unsold produce but also offers greater flexibility to farmers in setting selling prices since they are not forced to sell their produce immediately at lower prices.
If these storage facilities are provided centrally or in collaboration among SME farmers, they can be a game-changer in enhancing this sector's competitiveness.
Another aspect worth attention is crop diversification based on current trends. Most farmers focus only on one or two types of crops, leading to an imbalance in supply and market.
When many farmers grow the same produce, excess supply depresses market prices, making it more challenging to achieve profits.
Therefore, kaola suggests that farmer training and guidance programs should focus more on crop variety and market demand adaptation strategies.
If production does not focus solely on the same commodities, we can mitigate market imbalance risk and ensure farmers have more options to increase their profits.
This diversification can also reduce reliance on imports in selected commodities in line with the national food security agenda.
That's all from kaola. Thank you for the time given, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings of peace. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola refers to Title SH04A - Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Code 002-000 - Agricultural and Agrifood Services Management. Regarding the program objectives, which include assisting the development of technology needs to constantly enhance agriculture and agrifood productivity and output sustainably for all districts.
This is also stated through Code 002-001, where a total of $523,500 allocation for the Year 2025/2026 is provided through Recurring Expenditures.
Kaola wishes to know, what is meant by technology transfer and does this initiative benefit only estate farmers or operators as a whole.
Next, in efforts to empower rice planting among local farmers, what is the government’s plan and strategy on this matter? And is there currently a possibility for other varieties to be sold to the government?
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Alhamdulillah, kaola expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the Budget of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and its departments for the Financial Allocation Year 2025/2026.
Kaola refers to Title SH03A - Department of Fisheries, Code 007-000 - Fisheries Planning and Development, which is the main objective of the department to ensure the fisheries industry remains fast-growing and sustainable with significant local entrepreneurs so they too can gain from GDP growth, Gross Domestic Product in the fisheries sector.
In the mission to diversify economic resources, specifically in the fisheries sector or aquaculture industry, the potential of ornamental fish fisheries is significant, especially with the growing public interest in the hobby of fishkeeping and the love for aquarium beauty.
The ornamental fish industry covers various aspects, including fish breeding, fish sales, aquarium equipment, fish feed, and related services. This industry, if developed, can contribute significantly to the country's GDP.
Therefore, kaola seeks clarification on whether the ornamental fish industry is cultivated in Negara Brunei Darussalam and what are the government's plans to expand this industry.
In maintaining the nation's marine treasures such as coral reefs, what are the efforts and initiatives by relevant parties to ensure the sustainability of the country's marine ecosystem and aquatic biodiversity against serious threats due to human activities?
That is all kaola can convey. Thank you. Wabilahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola refers to Title SH06A - Department of Tourism Development, Code 002-001 - Enhancing Tourism Facilities and Services Infrastructure.
What are the government's plans to diversify the domestic tourism sector, including in village areas, and to upgrade tourism services towards more commercialized and high-yield tourist standards?
Next, kaola refers to the performance indicators of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. The number of tourist arrivals by air, the actual figure for 2023/2024 is 159,984.
In addition, kaola would like clarification on the number of tourists from foreign countries registering the highest numbers and what efforts are being undertaken to achieve the target of 403,155 tourist numbers by 2025/2026.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Alhamdulillah, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the budget of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Alhamdulillah, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the budget of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and its departments within the National Budget for 2025/2026 amounting to $107.45 million.
For the RKN-12 project, the plan price is $36.77 million has already been supported for Development Expenditure Allocation for the Financial Year 2025/2026.
May all planning be successfully realized towards contributing to national progress and strengthening social economy and the well-being of the people.
Kaola refers to Title SH06A - Department of Tourism, Code 002-000 - Tourism Product and Business Development.
Kaola welcomes the ministry's efforts in product development to increase attraction and also diversify domestic tourism products by providing an online tourism product directory named Explore Brunei.
It is hoped this directory can help local tourism agents develop attractive activity packages and tourism products.
In relation to this, kaola seeks clarification, when was Explore Brunei launched and is this online directory in the form of a mobile app that can be downloaded and installed on IOS and Android app stores?
Additionally, kaola seeks clarification on statistics about the number of homestays still operating today. What are the efforts towards strengthening this sector? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi who is wise. Kaola refers to Title SH03A, 1210 which is strengthening food security in the fisheries sector.
Kaola refers to the Key Performance Indicator estimate for 2024/2025 amounting to $311.69 million. The previous year 2023/2024, the actual amount reached only $155.35 million. If following this trend, kaola believes it might not reach $200 million for 2024/2025.
Perhaps Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan can provide clarification regarding the actual amount.
What kaola wants to raise is that the development expenditure estimate for 2024/2025 is about $10.7 million and reduced further to $4.7 million for 2025/2026.
Can we achieve the target of $265.35 million by spending only $4.7 million this year?
Perhaps Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan can provide clarification on the business analogy with small expenditure but the origin value reaching $265.35 million this year.
Secondly, kaola refers to the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan on 15 March 2025, which is a continued commitment in advancing the food and tourism sector.
Thank you for the sharing by Yang Berhormat in charting the direction of the food industry development and strengthening food security by identifying six main commodities. Kaola hopes with these efforts, it will strengthen the country's food self-sufficiency and various aspirations including those in Yang Berhormat's statement.
On the matter of food security, kaola has some concerns and seeks clarification regarding some of the information and data shared:
Firstly, it is very concerning that self-sufficiency achievement for buffalo and cattle meat commodities is only around 2.3%. As we know, this happens when other ministries through GLCs and other private companies import these commodities from abroad.
Kaola expresses this concern considering we already know the global crisis will affect our self-sufficiency in this commodity which still relies on imports from abroad.
According to information, one company imported last year, half a million tons of Indian beef for processing and also for direct sale.
That's just one company, kaola questions what are the steps and strategies by the ministry to restore the glory of our people in rearing buffaloes and cattle themselves, similar to what was done some years ago while imports of cheaper foreign meat?
Secondly, the agricultural and fisheries output has increased by about 41% in the last three years. This measurement follows the increase in output in financial terms from $525 million in 2017 to $742 million annually now. Kaola is curious about the actual increase in metric ton estimates?
Thirdly, regarding rice cultivation. Alhamdulillah, self-sufficiency for this commodity has reached 8%, Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan targets an increase to 12% in the coming years.
Kaola seeks further clarification on the target year mentioned.
Fourthly, also regarding rice cultivation. Alhamdulillah, regenerative farming methods have been thought of to improve soil fertility, especially acidic soil. Kaola agrees that to achieve self-sufficiency in this rice commodity cannot be realized immediately.
Kaola's question, what systematic and sustainable strategic approaches have been provided by the ministry to address these challenging factors?
Fifthly, youth involvement in rice cultivation has also been shared. After several programs have been undertaken so far, five youths are actively cultivating rice in the Agricultural Development Area Wasan with a plot size of 10 hectares and one is actively cultivating rice at the side of KKP Bebuloh with a plot size of 5 hectares.
Kaola seeks clarification, what is the projected production capacity in metric tons that has been and will be contributed from this youth rice cultivation program towards the self-sufficiency effort of this commodity?
Sixthly, the ministry also encourages the use of high technology and modern techniques.
How does the ministry encourage this even though some entrepreneurs face basic electrical power issues for using such technology?
Seventhly, what are the ministry’s plans to produce experts from among Brunei's people, particularly in the Department of Agriculture, which kaola means is an expert who is not only theoretically knowledgeable and articulate but also has hands-on and practical skills?
Eighthly, kaola, representing MSME entrepreneurs, thanks for the ministry's efforts through consultations with regulatory agencies with initiatives to ease MSME entrepreneurs in agricultural and fishery sectors in reducing farm start-up costs while complying with stipulated standards.
For efforts in increasing the Export Drive Initiative, the effort to gain recognition and accreditation from importing countries is indeed very challenging for MSME entrepreneurs due to high costs.
For larger companies, this may not be a problem for them. To ensure these MSME entrepreneurs rise equally with these large companies, kaola would like to suggest that the government provide additional assistance for the recognition and accreditation process from related importing countries.
Allow Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for one more issue.
(Yang Berhormat Pengerusi signals permission)
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Sixth and lastly is about the program Code 002/000 – Resource and Forestry Industry Management and Development 003/00 – Forest Amenity and Preservation.
Kaola is informed there is one forestry plantation project in Mukim Bukit Sawat, Belait District that has been completed in 2016. The long-term project target is to develop an area of about 30,000 clean hectares for the purpose of producing sustainable timber output for the country in line with the National Forestry Policy 1989.
According to information from the Forestry Department's website, since 2016 only a total of 5,211 hectares or 17% has been developed.
Kaola’s question, is this forestry plantation project still relevant for development after it was last conducted in 2016? If still relevant, how many trees have reached sufficient size for commercialization to generate revenue?
And what is the direction of the Forestry Department in achieving the long-term project goals to ensure it has the high commercial value expected?
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi who is wise, and sorry for taking two minutes and forty-nine seconds.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
The third group is led by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, followed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh and greetings of peace.
Alhamdulillah, kaola is pleased to take this opportunity to express the highest appreciation and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan for the comprehensive presentation by Yang Berhormat Menteri on Saturday, March 15 regarding the ministry's achievements and initiatives in collaboration with relevant strategic partners to enhance growth in the food industry and strengthen food security and develop the tourism industry in the country.
In this debate, kaola refers to Title SH02A – Forestry Department Code 004/000 Management and Research of Forest Biodiversity with an estimated expenditure of $287,000.
Kaola is pleased to quote the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri on the ministry's efforts to strengthen cooperation with international and local universities to attract more students and researchers to make Brunei Darussalam a unique educational destination offering deep learning experiences showcasing biodiversity through planned study visits.
Connected to this, kaola seeks clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri. What is the ministry's strategy to raise awareness and interest among more international students and researchers about the available research opportunities in this country? Is the existing research infrastructure such as field labs and the Biodiversity Center able to support more in-depth research and study by these international researchers?
At the same time, how does the ministry balance between biodiversity conservation and national development needs? Specifically in regulating activities that could impact the forest ecosystem in this country. To what extent is the ministry certain that existing biodiversity protection policies are truly implemented on the ground to prevent the exploitation of flora and fauna in this country? What are the ministry's plans to tackle related challenges in financial resources and human resources in initiatives undertaken to achieve the objectives and goals of the desired program?
Additionally, kaola refers to Title SH03A Fisheries Department Code 007/000 Fisheries Planning and Development with an allocated budget of $272,350.00. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through this program has focused on the use of high technology as a catalyst to enhance fishery industry resources concerning the Gross Domestic Product.
Among them through the implementation of the Recirculating Aquaculture System for fish and shrimp farming and the application of the Internet of Things for water quality monitoring. This aligns with the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri on Saturday regarding the need for innovation in this system. Related to this, kaola seeks clarification, what are the ministry's plans and initiatives to attract more local entrepreneurs to adapt to this technology use in their enterprises?
In terms of equipment ownership, how does the ministry plan to facilitate access to local entrepreneurs consisting of interested youth to use these new and high-tech methods? Are there joint venture or partnership efforts, for example, with technology providers offering more competitive prices or providing incentive programs such as subsidies and soft loans to support their endeavors?
On knowledge and skills, what type of continuous support will be provided to facilitate these entrepreneurs in understanding and mastering effective technology use while keeping up with current developments?
Lastly, these measures, kaola feels they are crucially planned with care to ensure that major technology investment truly benefits the fishery sector and the national economy as a whole. With the implementation of clear strategies, local entrepreneurs can be empowered to advance this sector while contributing to the country's sustainable development.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola have several questions that kaola would like to present. SH02A Department of Forestry, RKN Development Expenditure $18.45 million under Code 1207, Strengthening Environmental Sustainability of Forestry and Code 1214, Forestry Industry Development RKN budget is $18.48 million. Kaola request clarification on how these projects will strengthen environmental sustainability of forestry and develop the nation's development industry? Have initial discussions been made with educational industries and scientists locally and internationally to assist in research in this industry?
SH03A, Department of Fisheries RKN expenditure $20.619 million. Several projects from Code 120 1210/008 to Code 1210/012, Advancing and Opening Sites for Aquaculture Industry, Upgrading Infrastructure for Existing Aquaculture Sites, New Aquaculture Sites and Providing and Upgrading Infrastructure for Small-scale Fishermen Facilities.
There are many planned projects, but how does the ministry ensure these projects provide specific benefits and priorities to local entrepreneurs and at the same time provide employment opportunities to local communities? While waiting for progress to reach a self-sufficiency level, kaola believe the ministry needs to develop alternative strategies that can ensure supply security.
Code 001/000, Administration and Financial Policy. How can youth involvement be increased with mechanization and automation? Kaola understand that entrepreneurs in the agriculture, agri-food, rice industry, and fishery sectors are currently 60% to 70% elderly and retirees. Kaola appreciate the ministry's various efforts to involve young farmers, youth, and professionals in these sectors. However, the participation of young people is still at a low level.
There is a misconception that our youth are reluctant to work hard, avoid the heat, avoid hardship, do not want to rush, and do not want to take risks. However, the reality is that many local young people are willing to work offshore, spending months away from family in the shipping and oil industries, which are more challenging and demanding in physical and mental endurance and in less comfortable conditions. They are willing to face risks and work because the job is considered worthwhile.
What changes need to be introduced to ensure work in agriculture, agri-food, rice industry, and fisheries is worthwhile? As an incentive to attract youth such as transformation towards modern mechanization and technology while providing market assurance for supported products so that their income is worthwhile with the efforts they put in.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wassalam.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola is touching on Title SH02A, Department of Forestry. The department's Key Performance Indicator, which is the upstream industry's sales revenue based on wood for 2023 and 2024, the actual amount is $11.61 million, and the target for 2025/2026 is $9.25 million.
Request clarification regarding this sales revenue. Is it obtained from domestic sales or overseas sales through export activities? And what efforts are being made to enrich the wood products industry to remain relevant in the market considering that artificial wood-like products are widely used in the market?
In an effort to address climate change and environmental issues, is the wood cutting activity in Negara Brunei Darussalam by local sawmill operators reduced and what enforcement measures are being implemented to monitor illegal tree cutting activities?
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. Kaola express my gratitude to Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism who has addressed many issues kaola wanted to raise and have been raised by other Yang Berhormat colleagues. So, kaola will not speak at length.
Kaola want to touch only as the ministry responsible for the production of agricultural and agri-food and fishery products and also tourism, of course, the capabilities and success of the ministry are of particular interest, especially in these two sectors, the food industry and tourism.
Alhamdulillah, from the ministry's report there is a significant increase in results and targets. It is hoped that with the allocation that will be approved later, the ministry will achieve its goal of contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Kaola also wants to touch a little on Title 006/000 regarding monitoring agricultural farms to increase productivity but kaola noticed that in the staffing provided for the year 2025/2026, there is a reduction. Kaola hopes this will not affect the ministry's efforts to advance this sector.
Similarly, in the field of the tourism industry, which has many economic potentials. Kaola hope we will succeed in attracting more foreign tourists to this country especially if we have targeted countries as stated by Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism to come to Brunei.
Kaola refer to Key Performance Indicators of the Tourism Department, SH01A and kaola am interested in the indicator of the average expenditure of each tourist per day which is only $140.00 a day. Kaola attribute this to perhaps nothing interesting for them to spend on in the country or not many attractive tourist packages for them.
Kaola also noticed that most of these tourists only stay or stop by in this country for a few days before continuing their journey to another destination. And kaola was also informed by money changers that tourists coming to Brunei only exchange a small amount of money for food and possibly spend only at Pasar Malam.
Meanwhile, the Brunei people when exchanging money at the money changers will exchange a lot of money to spend abroad. Therefore, kaola believe this matter needs to be balanced with spending within the country for these tourists and kaola believe if we can promote this tourism through more attractive specific packages, perhaps they will consider staying longer and spending here.
In this regard kaola see collaboration between Brunei, our country and neighboring countries is one way perhaps to attract tourists to our country.
That's all Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Alhamdulillah, we have heard Yang Berhormat colleagues have raised several issues that kaola intended to present. However, as value added, kaola would like to highlight only two matters.
Firstly, under Title SH04A – Department of Agriculture and Agri-food, Code 002/000 – Management of Agricultural and Agri-food Support Services aiming to support the agriculture and agri-food industry towards optimum production.
Kaola welcome and support this program not only to be planned but must be accompanied by research through R&D methods with ongoing monitoring to ensure that it truly brings significant impact in efforts to increase productivity and subsequently large-scale production of various products in the agriculture and food industry.
In addition, it can drive the country's economic growth and even increase the standard of living and strengthen the country's food security. Here kaola want to focus on meat production, buffaloes and cattle where according to the self-sufficiency achievement currently from 2022 to 2024 only reached 2.3%.
In kaola's observation, in the category of self-sufficiency in meat production supply, buffaloes and cattle are the lowest compared to other food commodities where Alhamdulillah, for broiler chickens 100%, chicken eggs 103%, tropical vegetables 72% and others. In this situation, kaola request clarification on the major sources or challenges in this country for self-sufficiency in meat production and buffaloes only reaching 2.3%?
In addition, what are the plans or initiatives for short, medium, and long term to further increase the rate of achievement higher than what is currently achieved?
Secondly, kaola wish to refer to Code 003/000 – Biosecurity Management and Market Access under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala because Negara Brunei Darussalam where kaola extend congratulations to the stakeholders on the impressive achievement able to penetrate exporting food products to regional markets such as to Singapore and Sabah from PDS Abattoir Sdn Bhd, Royal Brunei Culinary Sdn Bhd and BMC Food Industries and also from Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd, Sabli Food Industries and others.
For kaola, products that have the potential to be exported should be encouraged especially in terms of the product quality to meet international standards alongside efforts to increase quantity on a large scale to further expand the country's export not only in the regional countries but also, Insya Allah, at the international level.
However, we also need to be prepared to face any challenges likely to face risks that could hamper planning and production of products from identified aspects, among others as follows:
Firstly, the possibility of delays in obtaining raw materials from abroad that could affect continuous production;
Secondly, the need to create R&D and innovation to ensure increased productivity;
Thirdly, innovation to increase product quality marketing promotion. This is intended for more competitiveness and resilience to expand to the global market;
Fourthly, the challenge is also how to maintain quality to meet the standard requirements of importing countries. Brunei Darussalam Food Authority also plays an important role in supporting local food products to meet international standards and requirements including importing countries.
In connection with this, kaola request clarification on how methods and procedures to be more proactive in addressing these challenges? This is also to ensure, strengthen the trust or reliability to consistently produce and deliver products and ensure the assurance of external countries towards the quality of products produced by Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Finally, kaola express Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and once again kaola thank the Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving kaola the opportunity.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you Your Honourable Members. Now I will give the floor to Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism to provide comments or responses to the discussions, suggestions, or questions that have been raised earlier. Please proceed Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera.
First of all, kaola would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Your Honourable Members for the questions, suggestions, and new ideas presented during the committee session for the title under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism earlier.
In general, kaola warmly welcomes and appreciates all constructive proposals presented by Your Honourable Members. Insya Allah, any good suggestions that have not been implemented and are deemed suitable will be considered by this ministry for implementation.
On this occasion, Insya Allah, kaola will try to address and respond to the suggestions of Your Honourable Members within the allocated time. However, if there isn’t an opportunity to respond, kaola will answer in writing.
Next, allow kaola to turn to addressing and responding to matters raised by Your Honourable Members. Although my answers might not follow a sequence and may skip around, Insya Allah, an attempt will be made to answer, and if it's not enough, a written response will be provided.
The first query is the suggestion by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan about creating a dedicated area as a Cultural Village. The establishment of a Cultural Village will prevent tourists from having to travel long distances to enjoy and visit the seven indigenous groups in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Insya Allah this will be considered and discussed with the relevant ministries regarding its suitability, and if a suitable place is found, it will be considered.
Regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim about the alignment of agencies to ensure that the current ecosystem is efficiently advancing the tourism industry. Indeed, this is the sentiment and intent of this ministry to ensure that the pre-arrival process, arrival, and the time in Brunei, followed by the return, all proceed smoothly.
Therefore, as a ministry effort, the ministry has developed a strategic roadmap to ensure that the entire ecosystem is considered. Thus, four working committees have been established: the Working Committee on Connectivity, Infrastructure, Manpower, and Product Enhancement to review the entire value system and ensure no gaps exist in the current ecosystem.
Insya Allah, with these pending committees that involve relevant agencies such as Immigration, Internal Affairs, District Departments, hotels, and tourism product providers, challenges faced will be discussed and addressed.
In terms of increasing internal capacity, it is acknowledged that the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has a small department for tourism advancement. Efforts will continue to enhance capacity with innovative ways to expand and enable capacity through available technology.
Regarding solidifying the infrastructure, there are two projects under the RKN aimed at strengthening the basic infrastructure and public facilities of tourism attractions in this country, as well as enhancing the tourism industry which currently has low funding. But Insya Allah, if we are ready to implement and the proposal is ready, we will return to the committee to request additional funding to allow these projects to be implemented this year.
With respect to the question from Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee, regarding leveraging media and film to create and promote landmarks in order to promote Brunei as a tourism destination, media and film indeed have significant potential as tools for promoting tourism landmarks in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Although still in the early stages, various efforts have been made to attract more filming in the country to showcase its uniqueness and beauty.
The ministry acknowledges several international productions choosing Negara Brunei Darussalam as a filming location, including Law of The Jungle in 2015, Battle Trip in 2017, Asadal Chronicles in 2018, and Top Gear in 2018. These productions positively impacted by increasing tourism from Korea by 53% from 2015 to 2019, supported by direct flights Brunei-Korea.
Alhamdulillah, recently the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has also closely collaborated with TV Indosiar to showcase Ramadan as Islamic Tourism to attract more tourists from Indonesia to appreciate Ramadan in this country. With Indosiar, they have published a series on Ramadan in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Alhamdulillah, this is indeed a strategy to be adopted. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, through the Tourism Department, in collaboration with airlines and tourism and hotel agencies, will continue efforts to attract more TV programs or film productions to Brunei to establish the country as a destination indirectly through these films or TV programs.
Additionally, apart from collaborating with lifestyle influencers, the ministry also involves biodiversity scientists and content creators specializing in environmental preservation. This inquiry pertains to natural tourist or eco-tourism.
In this regard, to attract eco-tourists as stated by Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee, the ministry has initiated efforts including Scientific Exhibitions at Batu Apoi Forest, Temburong themed "Exploring Brunei Darussalam’s Biodiversity," and the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Biodiversity in conjunction with MYCE, 2024 organized by forestry and UBD attracting international researchers from places like Singapore, as well as the Netherlands-based Taxon Expedition. A continuously collaborating organization with UBD for annual rainforest expeditions at Ulu Temburong Park.
This country has also nominated several recreational parks as part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, recognizing commitments towards preserving this country's green rainforest. The Tropical Biodiversity Research Experience organized by UBD in July will allow international researchers to explore Brunei's biodiversity treasures.
As an effort this year, the ministry will organize a Forest to Reef Expedition in conjunction with MYCE 2025, inviting researchers and content creators from YouTube to join the exploration. Furthermore, notable figures such as specialist bird watchers and environmentalists like Dominic Couzens, a contributor to Bird Watching and BBC wildlife, Jack Baddams, Neil Glen, and Elle Kaye from the United Kingdom will collaborate with the Department of Tourism Development to promote and strengthen Brunei Darussalam's position as a leading destination in the region in terms of eco-tourism and biodiversity research. Insya Allah, with these initiatives, we are not just attracting regular tourists but also educational and research tourists to this country.
Regarding tourism-related issues and suggestions raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, on multiple occasions, once, the ministry greatly appreciates the support and suggestions of Yang Berhormat to strengthen the agro-tourism and rural tourism sector, particularly to maximize the impact of tourist arrivals on the domestic economy and to base local entrepreneur engagement in this sector.
Regarding suggestions related to agro-marketing and rural tourism, recognizing the sector's vast potential, the ministry has begun efforts to develop agro-tourism and rural tourism activities in this country. Since tourism is not the primary activity of farmers, the initial steps taken by the ministry include providing understanding of the agro-tourism concept and training in planning attractive, sustainable tourism packages that meet tourist demand and offer reasonable prices for a satisfying experience without compromising farm crop production.
In fact, the agro-tourism platform is not just focused on marketing and selling agricultural products. The ministry also encourages exhibitions and the sale of handicraft products, meaning not only agricultural products as suggested earlier by Yang Berhormat but also encourages showcasing handicrafts and agro-foods as well as village consultation activities. This is more diverse and attractive to tourists visiting the country.
Regarding local product marketing raised earlier by Yang Berhormat, among other steps for the ministry to encourage the use of local products, is by establishing booths and outlets at the Kampong Ayer Cultural Tourism Gallery and the Cruise Ship Terminal Centre at the Muara Port to provide opportunities for tourism arriving by cruise to shop for local products.
The organization of Local Wood Expo and Local Product Expo is also highlighted to promote local products, in addition to collaborating with the District Department like in the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen local products by offering strategic locations and encouraging village consultation to seize opportunities in entrepreneurship like often-visited spots such as Luagan Lalak Recreational Forest and others. Furthermore, a local restaurant has also been established at Bukit Patoi Recreational Park to allow tourists to taste local foods in the country.
Regarding the suggestion of ### Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, the available scheme typically offers 2 hectares of land for agricultural SMEs, but its profitability is limited and can be increased further. Indeed, the policy of the ministry, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, where initially, although land is granted for poultry, vegetables, 2 hectares, but under the Pioneer Scheme, you can increase it to 4 hectares. Therefore, any company interested in expanding its land for development is highly encouraged. Besides that, as I mentioned in my statement last Saturday, a land expansion scheme is also available besides the Pioneer Scheme to enable companies to expand their business areas easily. So, it is very welcomed for farmers and agricultural and fisheries entrepreneurs to come to this ministry to apply if they want to increase their allocated area.
Regarding post-harvest waste, current post-harvest issues causing spoilage, the suggested development of cold storage raised by Yang Berhormat, the ministry acknowledges the importance of scientific cold storage in maintaining agricultural product quality and completing the agricultural supply chain. The ministry appreciates this suggestion and Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck's view on a more systematic development to reduce post-harvest loss impact on farmers' crop yields. From our observations, post-harvest waste, if not managed well, can reach 20% to 40% of harvested farm yields.
Thus, as a proactive step, two main initiatives have been planned, short-term the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in collaboration with BEDB has negotiated with a company to introduce the use of mobile cold storage units that can help and facilitate agricultural entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, to manage agricultural products more efficiently. In the long term, a cold supply chain center will be developed in the Agricultural Development Area, marine agriculture, encompassing collection distribution, cold storage, and agricultural product processing through open tenders to qualified companies. Alhamdulillah, Insya Allah, with this center operated commercially, it will help farmers, especially SMEs, to reduce post-harvest waste and subsequently enhance the quality of agricultural products sold in this country and enable exports abroad.
Additionally, the ministry provides post-harvest handling training at the Quality Control and Plant Safety Section, Plant Industry Division in the Tungku Agricultural Development Area, to ensure farmers can manage their products more efficiently and reduce product loss rate.
The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood continually encourages companies to have cold room facilities. With cold storage, farmers can produce crops continuously, allowing better stock management and ensuring an available supply while reducing post-harvest loss. This also aids companies in managing supplies according to demand needs without compromising the quality and market value of these products.
Turning to crop diversification, as raised by Yang Berhormat earlier, it is acknowledged that our farmers' style is different, they follow trends. If a farmer profits from growing salad this year, the majority will follow suit next year or the following season, causing an oversupply and price collapse.
So farmers have been advised to diversify their products, not to follow trending products excessively. As detailed, commodity and product focus has been provided by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, where commodity focus like tomatoes, peppers, and other less available or still largely imported crops, can be planted by companies wishing to diversify their vegetable production.
Through this diversification, loss due to a focus on a single commodity can be avoided. If prices for one commodity fall, other commodities can compensate or cover the loss, benefiting the company. This has been repeatedly emphasized to local business companies to ensure their products are diversified rather than a single commodity.
Regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Osman on raised issues, the Technology Transfer Program. It is the ministry's initiative to expose entrepreneurs and farmers in this country to a more aware system, geared toward suitable and technological farming for more effective and profitable output.
The ministry continuously strives to meet current needs to conduct training courses and provide appropriate new technology through the following programs. These programs are not limited to shortlisted farmers but are open to all interested farmers and even prospective farmers, newcomers interested in farming technology.
Thus, the program includes the introduction to agricultural technology, often organized during expos and roadshows, and sometimes at Pasar Kitani, allowing anyone interested in farming technology to know and delve deeper into agricultural technology knowledge.
Additionally, there are youth exposure programs focusing on introducing youths to appropriate technology use from conventional systems. The third is the Regenerative Agriculture program, a holistic approach to enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystems, including the use of organic materials and agricultural practices ensuring sustainable crop yields.
Moreover, programs for technology adoption through the Farming Certification Scheme like Good Agricultural Practice or Brunei Pesticide-Free are also available. Utilizing new techniques to produce safe, quality, and contamination-free products through systematic agricultural practices and farm records for traceability purposes.
Regarding empowering rice cultivation among local farmers, a few programs and initiatives have been implemented as follows, such as research efforts to identify high-yielding new varieties resistant to pests. This has been explained during my last Saturday's statement. Along with improving soil fertility and implementing comprehensive paddy management training programs known as the Rice Farmers Field School, it is among the initiatives to empower rice cultivation among local farmers.
Regarding the question about government product sales, at present, most registered rice farmers can sell their rice to the government through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood. To date, nine varieties have been accepted under the Rice Price Support Scheme, and the latest accepted varieties include Padi BDR5, Sembada188, and Yuan158.
Regarding Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir's question concerning the ornamental fish industry and the government's plan for expanding it, in actuality, ornamental fish aquaculture activities fall under the freshwater fish aquaculture industry, contributing only 1% to the total aquaculture industry output. This industry's output increased by 29% from $14 million in 2023 to $4.18 million in 2014.
Although the primary focus of this sector is on edible fish, the ministry does not prevent entrepreneurs from expanding ornamental fish farming. We are not stopping it, but the ministry's primary focus is encouraging aquaculture for the edible fish industry.
For information, a Japanese koi fish enterprise recently registered at the Department of Fisheries is self-operating. The ministry is also identifying ornamental fish farming currently home-based. Most active ones are home-based where the Department of Fisheries registers these companies to enable monitoring, providing guidance, and encouraging them to develop into dedicated premises for operating the ornamental fish industry.
Regarding initiatives to ensure marine ecosystem sustainability raised by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, the initiatives ensuring marine ecosystem sustainability and reef sites. The ministries have implemented strategies like establishing marine protected areas since 1 January 2015, covering 1,208 square kilometers, km², as no-take zones where fishing activities are prohibited.
Artificial reef installations as protected and fish breeding zones to enrich marine resources, collaborating with international organizations like SEAFDEC to assess ecosystem health, habitat, and water quality to support sustainable fishery conservation and management efforts. Collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science since 2023 to enhance coral reef resilience against climate change through technology use.
Collaborating with NGOs such as Reef Check Brunei and The Poni Group to expand public awareness and conservation programs, especially for school students. Perhaps Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, that is all I can answer for now. The rest will be answered in writing. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan. I think it is appropriate that we now vote on this Title. Your Honourable Members who agree, please raise your hands.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
All Members agree. Therefore, this Title is approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SH01A to Title SH06A are made part of the Schedule.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. I think we have discussed enough within the Committee, and we will adjourn the meeting of this Committee and reconvene in the National Assembly Meeting.
(The Committee Meeting is adjourned)
(The Assembly Meeting reconvenes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We are reconvened in the National Assembly Meeting. I think we have done enough for today, and I propose that we adjourn this meeting. God willing, we will reconvene on Thursday, 20th March 2025, starting at 9:30 in the morning.
On this occasion, I would like to wish everyone a blessed Nuzul Al-Quran, hoping that we may always gain the blessings of the Quran. That is all. With the guidance and blessings of Allah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(The Assembly Meeting is adjourned)
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